Insurance workers top list of stressed professions

Insurance workers are more stressed out than any other profession, a new survey has revealed.

The survey of 3000 people, by leading healthcare cash plan provider Medicash, revealed that 17% of insurance workers, more than any other profession, admitted to feeling stressed all the time.

Insurance workers were also amongst those most likely to turn to drink at the end of a stressful day with one if four admitting to hitting the bottle most evenings. Only those working in construction were more likely to be found heading for the pub at the end of the day.

One in three insurance workers have broken down in tears at work as a result of stress and 17% said they are often so stressed that they have to call in sick.

Sue Weir, chief executive of Medicash said: "Small amounts of pressure at work can enhance our performance but if that pressure becomes unremitting it can lead to sickness and long term absenteeism which is not good for either employer or employees. The odd drink can help us to relax but if this turns into a reliance on alcohol then the effect on health can be extremely detrimental."

Those working in research and development set the best example with more than 40% saying they use exercise to help them relax. Twenty percent of those working in electronics use meditation to relax compared with only four percent of bankers.

Teachers and those working in health are the most likely to have broken down in tears at work whereas lawyers are the most likely to keep a cool head under pressure with 11% claiming never to experience stress.

Sue Weir added: "It's disturbing that Britons in all professions are turning to drink as a way of coping with what appear to be unacceptable levels of stress at work. Adopting a preventative approach to healthcare, exercising regularly and eating healthily can play an active role in helping to redress the balance. Employers also have a duty of care towards their employees' emotional wellbeing which can be delivered through the provision of counselling services."