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Young, Stressed and in the City
4/4/01



Younger employees in the City of London are less able to cope with everyday work stress compared to their older co-workers. More than a quarter (26%) of the under 25s interviewed in a recent ORC International survey claim to be overwhelmed in their jobs, compared with just 18% amongst the 34 to 44 year old range.

The survey also highlights the fact that nearly half (48%) of the City Under 25s feel unable to find extra reserves of energy, as opposed to just 13% of those in the 55+ age bracket. When probed, factors identified as contributing to stress by younger respondents include two thirds (62%) stating a lack of recognition for the work, and the same level (61%) pointing to low staffing levels. Nearly a quarter (24%) are aware of discrimination at work (compared with just 15% of those in the 35-44 age range), and18% claim that bullying and harassment are factors.

The survey also reveals that attitudes and emotions can vary greatly between younger and older workers:


  • Nearly half (46%) of the Under 25s said they often worry about making mistakes in their job. This compares with just a fifth (21%) in the 35-44 range.
  • Nearly half of the younger group (46%) worry about job security, compared with 35% in the older group.
  • A quarter of the younger group (25%) say that they feel unable to control their emotions at work which compares to just 17% in the older age range.


ORC International’s stress consultant Angela Puri commented, "Despite organisations making some attempt to reduce stress in the workplace, it is still a very hot topic. While it’s widely accepted that a moderate amount of pressure at work is beneficial and enhances individual work performance, recent studies confirm that almost a quarter of the workforce aged 25-44 suffer from stress-induced nervous strain that is severe enough to diminish performance. Stress-related disorders are fast becoming the most prevalent reason for worker disability claims, and it’s estimated that almost a third of absenteeism can be attributed to stress-linked disorders. It’s time organisations began to seriously tackle this issue." ORC International conducted its research on 400 City of London workers in early 2001.