Dual pressure of work and social expectations causing NHS staff to turn to support services

A new awareness campaign has been launched which aims to highlight the impact that increased pressures during winter have on NHS staff wellbeing.

Research commissioned by NHS Charities Together of over 500 NHS workers and over 2,000 UK adults has found that December is the most stressful month for the NHS staff while work-related stress is low for the general public. 

More than half (51%) of the 500 NHS workers surveyed agree that December is the most stressful time of year for the healthcare service with 46% of NHS staff stating that the dual pressure of personal and work demands over Christmas negatively impacting their mental health and almost a third turning to support services such as helplines, counselling and other wellbeing support.

Conversely, when it comes to the general population, only 22% said December is the most stressful time of year for them at work, with 34% saying December is the busiest time of the year for them socially.

The aim of the campaign is to urge the public to find out more about NHS Charities Together and their local NHS charity this December and how they can support them so they can continue their vital work supporting NHS staff, patients and communities. After all, better staff wellbeing leads to better healthcare for everyone

Nearly two thirds of NHS workers feel taken for granted (62%) and undervalued (25%) during the busy winter period. Three in five (60%) said they are likely to miss a festive gathering with friends or family while over half (54%) of NHS staff polled said they are likely to work extra shifts to cover for sick staff. 

When asked which factor they felt would put the most pressure on them over December, almost one in three (31%) NHS workers cited staff shortages, followed by staff sickness (15%), increased admissions due to a rise in covid or flu (13%), and abusive behaviour from patients (10%). 

Further findings revealed that nearly three quarters (72%) of the general public believe working for the NHS is the most difficult job to do over the festive season, followed by those who work within hospitality (49%), delivery drivers (44%), and retail workers (40%).