It is fair to say that stress has been a hot topic for some time now, and with reports of escalating working hours and falling days holiday, it looks likely to stay that way for some time.

You do not have to look far to find stories of stress in the workplace, or out of it for that matter.  A recent survey reported by the BBC stated that nearly 40% of NHS staff in Wales suffer from work-related stress, with almost half stating that they regularly work unpaid overtime.

Furthermore, in some areas, the number of police officers off-duty as a result of stress has doubled over the last five years.  The police Federation stated bureaucracy and extra paperwork as the reasons behind this increase.

It starts to become clear from these figures, and indeed, those relating to employees taking work home with them, working longer hours and struggling to take holidays, that Stress is a very real threat.

It is reported that world-over, stress levels for company leaders have doubled, with 57% of business owners across the world reporting higher levels of stress than in the previous year.

So what can companies do to ensure the health and wellbeing of their staff in order to combat burnout?

One innovative London club provides what it calls Zzed Sheds to tired City workers.  Members of the Shed Club can relax during their lunch-breaks in sleeping booths, or make use of the private spaces to listen to some music. 

BUPA advise that you should take proper control of your diet, reduce the amount of cigarettes and alcohol you consume, increasing your exercise and sleep, and to talk about it.