According to a new survey, men are four times more likely to take time off work with stress than women.

The survey of 3,000 workers by healthcare plan provider Medicash found that 20 per cent of men had taken two sick days in the past month due to stress.

Results also revealed that twice as many men as women used alcohol to help combat stress caused by work but women were more likely to suffer stress-related symptoms such as headaches and sleep disturbance.

Medicash chief executive Sue Weir said:

“Small amounts of pressure at work can enhance our performance, but if that pressure becomes unremitting it can seriously affect our health. Regularly feeling stressed can lead to sickness, long-term absenteeism and even a dependence on alcohol or drugs.”

Take a look at our Stress Management section to understand the causes of stress and ways to combat it.

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