Between October and December 2010, absence statistics have shown 31,000 women took sick days citing stress, depression or anxiety, compared to 11,000 men. Almost three-quarters (74%) of stress-related absences were by women, with only 26% of absences being taken by men.
The research follows the release of the DWP Survey, Health and well-being at work: a survey of employers, which revealed that only 17% of employers have any form of stress-management advice and support in place for their employees.
Furthermore, the CIPD absence management annual survey report recently highlighted that stress is the second biggest cause of short-term absences and one of the leading causes of all long-term absences for non-manual workers.
Diane Buckley, MD of Legal & General Group Protection, said: "Stress is one of the leading causes of long-term absence, so employers should ensure that good quality support is available in the workplace to help women before they reach this point."
