Xmas > Christmas News

Festive stress hits workers

Mon, 12 Dec 2005

The stress of the Christmas season leaves many Scots unable to function properly at work during December.

The festive fizzle out sees nearly half of the workforce spending most of their day worried about the celebrations in the week running up to Christmas.

More than two thirds say they are less productive this month due to entertaining and stress.

According to research by catering firm Avenance, nearly a third (31%) of Scottish workers say they have gone into festive fizzle out by December 14.

The overall cost to the UK economy as a result of the downturn in productivity during December has been estimated at £8 billion.

One in ten blamed the consequent hangovers for their reduced output, with women being nearly twice as likely to be more hungover in December than at any other time of the year compared with men.

A combination of exhaustion, lack of motivation and hangovers among workers has been blamed for the downturn.

A healthier, more balanced diet is one way in which it has been claimed workers could improve their diet at Christmas.

Professor Chris Rowley, professor of Human Resource Management at Cass Business School, said: "Many companies happily take their employees out for a Christmas meal but fewer invest in their workforce's well being.

"Rather than struggle against a burnt-out unmotivated workforce in December, companies should consider taking small and simple measures, like providing cheap yet healthy foods in the workplace, or ensuring there are plentiful supplies of water in close proximity to workstations."