05/08/2010 - Workers 'seeking stress support'
A new study has found that counselling and psychotherapy are becoming highly sought after services among employees in the UK, with more than half expecting their employer to offer such services.
While 84% of employees said recession is one of the main reasons for people seeking counselling and psychotherapy, more than a quarter expect their employer to offer emotional support to help them overcome stress, according to the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
The 2010 Attitudes to Counselling and Psychotherapy survey questioned 1,440 people in the UK.
A majority of those surveyed believe counselling could help overcome emotional difficulties caused by financial loss, workplace stress and relationship breakdowns.
Nearly 78% of those polled admitted workplace stress to be an acceptable reason for seeking access to counselling services, against 44% reported in 2004.
Rick Hughes, BACP Workplace Lead Advisor, said: "Ten years ago there was sometimes a stigma regarding accessing counselling for personal or work-related issues.
"Today not only do we see an increasing acceptability but also a clear demand from employees for their employers to provide some form of access to counselling services.
"Organisations that provide counselling services for staff overwhelmingly find this translates to a multitude of positive benefits, including reduced absence, lower presenteeism, enhanced employee satisfaction, reduced accidents and improved productivity."
Copyright © Press Association 2010
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