NHS work named most difficult job in festive period

In a study by NHS Charities Together, nearly three quarters (72%) of the 2,000 UK adults surveyed said NHS staff have the hardest job this time of year, with many acknowledging the mounting pressure and stresses healthcare workers face. The study places NHS staff at the top of the most difficult jobs during the festive period followed by hospitality workers (49%) and delivery drivers (44%).

While the public widely acknowledges the challenges, the study also polled 500 NHS staff which showed a troubling picture of how they feel at this time of year.  Over half of NHS staff (51%) stated that December is the most stressful month for them. These challenges come as the NHS continues to struggle through its busiest time of year, including a potential rise in flu and Covid cases.

Though 68% of the public acknowledges the increased strain NHS staff experience throughout the winter months, the findings show that many healthcare workers still feel undervalued. 62% of NHS staff report feeling taken for granted, while 25% believe they are not properly appreciated for their hard work.

The human cost of working in the NHS during the holiday season is also taking a toll on personal lives. 60% of NHS staff said they are likely to miss a festive gathering with friends or family while over half (54%) said they are likely to work extra shifts to cover for sick staff.

Staff shortages are identified as the number one cause of stress for NHS staff in December, with 31% naming it as their top concern. Other challenges include staff sickness (15%), a rise in admissions due to seasonal illnesses (13%), and abusive behaviour from patients (10%). To help manage winter pressures, three in 10 (31%) NHS staff said they were likely to turn to services that support their wellbeing such as helplines, counselling, and free or subsidised gym or exercise classes.

Meanwhile, a concerning finding shows that only 21% of UK adults plan to take care of their health during the festive season. While the festive period is typically one of over-indulgence, this trend could contribute to further pressure on the NHS, as 41% of people admit they tend to overindulge, putting additional strain on already stretched healthcare resources.

Ellie Orton OBE, 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. 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 donate to the NHS Charities Together 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.”

Celebrity GP Dr Radha Modgil commented:

“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. There are lots of things all of us – including NHS staff – can do to help us stay physically and mentally well through the tough winter months, including trying to eat healthily and take regular physical exercise, ideally outdoors in nature. This survey also showed many NHS staff feel undervalued, especially at this time of year. We’re urging the public to find out more about NHS Charities Together and their local NHS charity this December and how they can support them so they can continue their vital work supporting NHS staff, patients and communities.”

Emma Winter, Retention and Well-being Lead at Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust in South East London has worked for the NHS for 20 years. She commented:

“I’ve always been passionate about looking after people and a key part of my role is to listen and identify ways to support employee well-being. This is central to a happy and healthy workforce and ensuring our communities receive the very best healthcare. However, 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.”

Dr Radha’s top tips include:

1. It can be really challenging to look after yourself when work is busy, try to take regular breaks, and if you can, try to do some physical activity outside even if that is just a short walk outside. Being in nature does wonders for our physical and mental health, meaning you can return to work feeling a bit better. Although you may feel you cannot spare the time, you will be more relaxed, more productive and have more reserve to manage challenges than if you worked straight through your lunch break or ate at your desk.
2. Many of us who care for others as part of our job can often put our own needs and self-care right at the bottom of the list of priorities. Set aside some time in your diary for some time for you and do an activity that makes you feel relaxed, valued and joyful. Make sure you are still creating time to see friends and family as our relationships are one of the main protective factors for our health and wellbeing when things are hard.
3. Put boundaries in place – it’s OK to say no to other people’s demands. If taking on that extra shift, cooking a huge meal for 10 people or letting your auntie stay in your home for a week is going to cause you additional stress, say no gently and kindly. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, try to compromise and meet in the middle, or see if others can help and share the load.
4. Don’t forget that your local pharmacist can help with common ailments. Visiting your pharmacist for issues – such as a sore throat, earache, sinusitis, impetigo, shingles, infected insect bites or uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women – helps free up GP appointments for other patients. Your local chemist can provide advice and medication, or, if needed, refer you to a specialist or follow-up care.
5. Many of us feel under pressure to buy presents for our loved ones even if finances are tough. Could you instead suggest a Secret Santa for friends and family, or mutually agree to a limit of the amount you spend on each other? Handmade gifts and buying things secondhand are great ways to give someone unique and special without breaking the bank.