Almost three quarters of the public – or 72% – said that NHS staff have the hardest job during the festive period.
Around seven in 10 (68%) also acknowledged increased strain on NHS workers during the winter months. NHS work was followed as the hardest line of work by hospitality (49%) and delivery driving (44%).
These figures were collected through an NHS Charities Together survey of 2,000 UK adults. More than 500 NHS workers were also asked for their thoughts on the impact of the festive period. Roughly half (51%) said that December is the most stressful month for them. NHS Charities Together suggested this was due to increased seasonal COVID-19 and flu pressure.
More than six in 10 NHS staff (62%) also said they felt taken for granted. One quarter (25%) felt they were not properly appreciated for their hard work.
General practitioner Radha Modgil said: ‘Working in the NHS can be hugely challenging, especially during the winter months. But it can also be really rewarding, and many NHS staff tell us how much they love their jobs, despite the challenges.’
‘Another stressful winter’
The survey also looked at how NHS work affects personal enjoyment of the festive season. Six in 10 of the staff surveyed said they were likely to miss a festive gathering with friends or family. A further 54% said they would be likely to work extra shifts to cover sick colleagues.
Staff shortages were named as the number one cause of stress for NHS staff in December, with 31% identifying it as their top concern. Other stressors include staff sickness (15%) and a rise in admissions due to seasonal illness (13%). One in 10 also reported abusive behaviour from patients as their main cause of stress.
Ellie Orton, CEO of NHS Charities Together, said: ‘Our latest survey reveals that while most of the UK public are winding down at work and busying themselves with social plans, our hardworking NHS staff are bracing themselves for another stressful winter. Working for the NHS was identified as the most stressful job to do during December, with things like staff shortages, sickness in patients and staff, and abusive patients all cited as potential factors.’
Wellbeing during the festive period
Three in 10 (31%) of the NHS staff said they were likely to turn to wellbeing support services such as helplines, counselling and free or subsidised gym access or classes.
However, only 21% of all respondents said they planned to take care of their health during the festive period. Four in 10 (41%) said they tend to overindulge, which NHS Charities Together said adds additional strain on healthcare.
Ellie Orton continued: ‘The data also showed that only one in five UK adults intend to take care of themselves by eating a balanced diet and doing regular exercise during December.
‘We’re urging the public to prioritise taking care of themselves this winter and get behind our amazing NHS by supporting our winter appeal. As NHS staff face another tough December, the wellbeing support we fund – such as counselling, helplines, gym equipment and access to green space – has never been more important.’
NHS interventions
Emma Winter, retention and wellbeing lead at Oxleas NHS Foundation, discussed some of the measures the NHS is introducing to mitigate the impact of seasonal pressures. She said: ‘Increasing patient numbers and staff shortages during winter are having a profound impact on the mental health of NHS staff, with many experiencing burnout due to taking on extra shifts to meet demand.
‘We’re introducing a number of measures to tackle this, from regular staff health checks to devising mental health prevention toolkits to support our workforce. We recognise the importance of practising self care by allowing staff time to pause and reflect when working in challenging environments.
‘Plus, with the help of NHS Charities Together, who have helped fund modernised rest areas, better access to physical wellbeing, including virtual yoga sessions and a staff gym, along with provision of healthy foods, we have seen improved employee engagement and reduced turnover and sickness.’
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