More people than ever are being signed off work with stress, according to new research.
While work-related issues were the predominant causes of stress in the workplace, more than a third also involved personal problems.
The study of HR manager by the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals (CIPP) found that 87% of respondents agreed that employee absence due to stress is rising among UK staff.
Of the 219 payroll and HR professionals polled, 68% of those who responded said over the past 12 months a total of 13 working weeks had been lost due to employee stress.
The top reasons for rising stress were increased workload (71%), low morale (62%) and financial problems (44%), followed closely by domestic issues (38%).
More concerning, the research said, was that over two thirds (67%) of employers do not feel mental health is given enough attention when it comes to employees.
Diana Bruce, senior policy liaison officer at the CIPP, said: "Low morale and increased workload showed as the main reasons for absence, so it is vital that employers are aware of these statistics and find a way of addressing the problems to prevent a never ending destructive cycle within the workplace."
