Almost half of senior managers have suffered from stress all or most of the time, research from AXA PPP healthcare has found.
Most senior managers (92%) reported having experienced stress, the research also found.
The biggest cause of stress among senior managers was financial worries at 34%, while workload was the biggest cause of stress for 28% of them.
The survey of 1000 senior business managers and owners and 1000 employees was conducted for AXA PPP healthcare by OnePoll.
For employees, 45% named workload as their biggest cause of stress and 26% blamed financial worries.
Worries about job security were the biggest cause of stress for 22% of both senior managers and employees.
Work was the place which gave the most stress for both employees and senior managers, 44% of both senior managers and employees felt most stressed in the workplace.
Stress at home and work was reported by 30% of senior managers and 43% of employees, home was the main source of stress for 26% of managers and 13% of employees.
Dr Mark Winwood, director of psychological services at AXA PPP healthcare, said: "It is concerning to see that almost half of the senior managers surveyed report experiencing constant stress.
"Occasionally experiencing symptoms of stress is to be expected.
"However, chronic stress can create or exacerbate existing mental health issues, including anxiety and depression and, as such, it is important to manage.
"By promoting stress-reducing behaviours wherever possible, such as a reduction in unnecessary out-of-hours emails, flexible working and an open culture where all employees can discuss their concerns and issues, businesses can minimise the effects of stress on all levels of the workforce.
"Changes in workplace culture are best implemented from the top down to effect real change, so managers could help their employees reduce stress, while also helping themselves.
"Having a company culture that is open about stress and mental ill health will benefit everybody."
Further Reading:
A fifth of IP claims for mental health issues - L&G
Employers' election wish list includes staff wellbeing
Employers not liable for foreseeing stress related illnesses
