Brits are over a third more stressed than 10 years ago
In the run-up to Stress Awareness Month, feel-good PR agency Lem-uhn finds that the number of Brits searching for the keyword ‘stress’ rose by over a third (34%) in February 2023 compared to the same month ten years earlier.
The new findings come at a time when Brits have faced a combination of global pressures including rising energy bills, inflation, the pandemic and the effects of climate change. Lem-uhn also reveals the average person spends 1,893 hours at work a year at work. This suggests having a job that contributes to an individual’s happiness and mental wellness can lead to a happier life.
Lem-uhn also shares that the average levels of anxiety are rising amongst Brits. According to the Office for National Statistics, the latest average level of anxiety was recorded at 4.0 earlier this month. This is an increase in the score registered in the previous period which was 3.9.
Now in its third year, Lem-uhn is an alternative type of PR agency which prioritises positive well-being for employees and clients alike. Unlike most PR agencies, all staff work their set hours only and employees benefit from a range of health and well-being initiatives.
These include regular company social events, two Wellness Days and ten days of paid leave per year for menstruation, menopause discomfort or in the event of a miscarriage.
Sofia Leadbetter, Account Manager at Lem-uhn commented: “I am saddened to see that so many of us in the UK are regularly experiencing stress and anxiety. In recent years I’ve been encouraged by the fact that so much work is being done to raise awareness of the dangers of stress and the need to look after mental health but I believe that we can still do more.
"As a society, we need to continue fostering open conversations about our experiences with stress and offer adequate support to those around us. In addition, employers have a responsibility to help mitigate the harmful effects of stress caused by work and I am so happy to be a part of a company that understands this.”
Founder and Managing Director of Lem-uhn, Riannon Palmer added: “Our job is such a big part of our life. With this, we should work at a company that cares about our mental well-being. Lem-uhn was created to fill the gap for a happier type of agency, but I don’t want us to be an anomaly but the norm. During difficult times such as now having a healthier work-life would boost the mental health and happiness of many people.”
To see which UK regions are the most stressed and for resources on how to manage stress, please visit here.
