Workplace stress 'destructive' for productivity

Employees suffering from high levels of work related stress have lower engagement, are less productive and have higher absentee levels than their peers, according to research from professional services firm Towers Watson.

22,347 employees across 12 countries (2,030 of which were in the UK) participated in The Global Benefits Attitudes survey which examined the correlation between stress levels at work and the productivity of staff.

57% of respondents who are experiencing high stress levels said they also feel disengaged from the company. In contrast, only one in ten that reported low stress levels at work said the same, whilst half said they were highly engaged.