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Almost half of employees report they have suffered from stress in the workplace, with many saying it affects their home life and health.

Research from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales found that 45 per cent of people questioned say they have suffered from stress, citing unattainable targets, poor management and bad work-life balance as the causes.

Employees claim their work stress levels also affecting their home life, with half saying it impacted on their health and 41 per cent reporting it was detrimental to their social life.

Phil Sheridan, managing director of Robert Half, the recruitment firm who commissioned the survey, says a measured amount of stress can be motivational.

'However, an excessive workload will ultimately result in increased stress, which will have costly implications for employers, including higher levels of absence, lower morale and a reduction in productivity,' he adds.

The expert highlights those in the financial sector as being renowned for being stressed.

Recruitment consultancy Stark Brooks recently said managers need to take time to control their own stress levels.

Sally Toumi, managing director of the company, says the most effective bosses are the ones who recognise when they need to relax.

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