Aramark’s 16,000 employees to be joined by thousands of people from client employment sites all across the UK, Ireland and in the North Sea. 49% of working adults regularly feel stressed at work with more women experiencing stress than men, according to research commissioned as part of the annual Aramark TAKE15 campaign, which aims to promote good mental health and wellbeing in the workplace.

Throughout October, people across the 464 sites Aramark has in the UK and Ireland, as well as the wider public, are being encouraged to take 15 minutes out of their working day away from phone calls, computers and smart phones to unwind and to talk to colleagues and reconnect.

The research sampled 578 people in employment across Ireland in a range of age groups.  It found that:

• Nearly half (49%) of working adults regularly feel stressed at work

• Only 51% felt comfortable discussing their mental health or the fact that they are feeling stressed at work with their employer or line manager

• While the majority regularly take a break from their working environment for lunch or to get a drink, it is shocking that 1 in 5 (20%) of working adults do not regularly take a break during the working day.

Lawrence Shirazian, Managing Director, Food Services & Defence Services UK said; “This research confirms what we have long suspected – people are stressed at work and need to be better supported in how they deal with that stress.  Stress takes a big toll on the workforce and is a persistent threat to employees’ overall well-being and productivity.

“We also know that speaking to someone when you don’t feel ok is hugely important, so it’s concerning that 49% of people said they wouldn’t feel comfortable speaking about their mental health to their employer or line manager.

“We all need to mind our mental health by taking regular breaks at work and our TAKE15 campaign is growing every year as more and more employers understand the importance of supporting their employees’ physical and mental wellbeing. The campaign aims to address the current stigma attached to talking about and seeking help for stress and mental health issues. This year our 16,000 employees will be joined by thousands of people from client employment sites all across the UK, Ireland and in the North Sea.” 

Elbha Purcell, Head of Dietetics and Wellbeing, Aramark Northern Europe agreed; “We’re delighted to see the support for #Take15Aramark. When employees take breaks at work, they become less fatigued and have more energy. They also increase their ability to focus and problem solve, so it makes sense for the sake of the welfare of employees and the welfare of the business to TAKE15 minutes to relax and clear your head.”