Hungarians say work conditions contribute to poor health

One in three Hungarian workers believe that their work has a negative impact on their health while more than half say their employer should be responsible for ensuring health and fitness in the workplace.

The survey, by global recruitment firm Kelly Services, identified issues such as bullying and a lack of recognition as causes of health problems, stress and sleeplessness.

The global survey sought the views of 115,000 people in 33 countries including more than 4,000 in Hungary.

Kelly Services [Title, Name] said the survey shows that the workplace has a key influence on the way that people view their health and wellbeing.

"For many employees, their work has a significant impact on their health, and with people spending a great deal of their time at work, it's worth looking at ways to better integrate work and health".

Amongst the key findings of the survey:

• 33% of respondents say their work makes them ill or unhealthy
• 20% say the stress of their job makes it hard to sleep at night
• 16% admit they have taken sick leave when they were not genuinely sick
• 52% are made to feel guilty about taking time off when they are sick
• 70% of Hungarian participants say bosses should be responsible for contributing to employee health and fitness

The study highlights the worldwide link between work and personal health. Almost 20% of respondents globally, believe their work makes them ill or unhealthy.

Japan fared the worst internationally, with the highest rate of work-related health problems. It was followed by Canada, Ukraine, Finland and Hong Kong with Hungary ranking fifth worst out of the 33 countries.

When asked which workplace conditions impacted on their health, Hungarians cited bullying, lack of recognition and a physically inactive work situation.

More than one third of Hungarians have taken sick leave in the past year. Only 56% of respondents said they are paid sick leave.

Not all workers are entirely honest in the way they approach sick leave. Approximately 16% admit they have taken sick leave without being genuinely sick.

Also, more than a third of respondents (52%) said that when they are sick, they are made to feel guilty about taking time off. More women (58%) were made to feel guilty about taking time off for illness than men (46%).

There is a strong view that employers should be responsible for contributing to employee health and fitness. A majority (70%) of Hungarian respondents feel employers should fill this role.

The key things employees say would improve their health and fitness at work include less workplace stress, flexible hours and access to a gym.

"There is no question that employers can play a significant role in improving health in many workplaces," [Name] said.

"Organisations that offer health and fitness benefits for staff help to generate a more productive and motivated workforce.

"It's in the best interests of an organisation to make the health and wellbeing of their employees a priority because a healthy workforce translates into increased productivity, lower absenteeism and improved morale".

Despite the findings, 73% of Hungarian respondents say their current state of health is either 'good' or 'very good'.

About Kelly Services
Kelly Services, Inc. (NASDAQ: KELYA, KELYB) is a world leader in human resources solutions headquartered in Troy, Michigan, offering temporary staffing services, outsourcing, vendor on-site and full-time placement to clients on a global basis.  Kelly provides employment to more than 750,000 employees annually, with skills including office services, accounting, engineering, information technology, law, science, marketing, creative services, light industrial, education, and health care.  Revenue in 2007 was $5.7 billion.  Visit www.kellyservices.com.

Media contact: 

Anikó Jónás

General Manager

Email: ajonas@kellyservices.hu

Tel: 06-1/354-2770