The Spanish spend an average of 1,760 hours a year at work. This daily routine not only affects productivity but also influences the well-being of employees, even beyond working hours. A recent survey conducted by Personio, a leading HR software company for small and medium-sized businesses, reveals concerning data about the relationship between work and the mental health of employees in Spain.
According to the study, 28% of women and 26% of men have had work-related nightmares. Furthermore, 28% of the respondents think about work outside of working hours, indicating a high level of stress among Spanish workers. 35% of participants claim that work-related stress directly affects their mental health, while 27% experience physical impacts.
An alarming statistic is that almost a fifth of the respondents have not taken time off for mental health reasons due to the negative perception compared to physical health-related leave. This reluctance is similar in both men (18%) and women (19%), who fear lack of support from the company or being stigmatized by colleagues and superiors.
In an effort to improve the work environment, the government met in February with various social agents to update the Law on Prevention of Occupational Risks. One hundred academic experts in Labor Law and Social Security have requested the Minister of Labor, Yolanda Díaz, to consider work-related mental health disorders in the upcoming adjustments to the Law.
The data from Personio’s survey underscore the need for Spanish companies to implement measures to ensure a good work environment. Improving internal communication and managing teams with empathy are some of the key demands highlighted by employees.
The survey shows that employees particularly value flexible hours, with 70% of respondents considering it essential. Additionally, 51% believe that enhancing internal communication and leadership training programs to manage teams with more empathy would contribute to greater job satisfaction.
Other valued measures include having an external therapy service (32% of women vs. 10% of men) and implementing an anonymous suggestion box (25% of women vs. 11% of men). Additionally, telecommuting was preferred by a percentage of women three times higher than that of men.
Chema Ballarín, Head of Southern Europe at Personio, states: “Organizations must ensure they take steps to support the mental health of their employees and create work environments that allow them to give their best. Keeping employees happy will increase their loyalty to the company and ensure retention of top talent.”
The results of Personio’s survey highlight that work-related stress and concerns significantly impact employees’ lives. Half of the Spanish respondents claim they would be more productive if they were happier in their jobs. These data emphasize the need for Spanish companies to create safe and supported work environments.
Proposed measures include a supportive culture, adequate resources, open communication, and flexible work hours. Ultimately, companies must ensure an environment that allows employees to perform their duties safely and stress-free, promoting well-being to retain talent and prevent turnover.
In conclusion, the data reveals that work-related stress and lack of support for mental health are serious issues affecting a large portion of workers in Spain. The implementation of appropriate measures by companies will not only improve employee well-being but also increase productivity and loyalty to the organization.