A fifth of workers who experienced problems with stress in 2012 were too afraid or embarrassed to ask for help, Canada Life has said.
The insurer found over half (61%) of UK employees found 2012 more stressful than 2011.
One in ten (10%) had to take time off work as a result, while nearly a third (31%) experienced lower concentration levels and productivity.
Of those who found their anxieties impacted on their work life, 20% found their employer understanding and 8% received help through an Employee Assistance Programme.
However, 17% received no support from their employer despite informing them about their concerns.
While around a quarter (24%) made the resolution to reduce their stress levels in 2013, 28% thought this year would still be more stressful.
Paul Avis, marketing director at Canada Life Group, said: "It is worrying that problems within the workplace were also a major cause of anxiety last year. These statistics clearly demonstrate it is in an employer's interest to take issues involving stress seriously.
"An employee should never feel too embarrassed to let their boss know the damaging affect stress is having on their life.
"Now is the time for employers to reassess how they support their workers in terms of stress, making sure that access to Employee Assistance Programmes is well publicised and without stigma."
