Employers should offer in-house counselling services in order to help employees cope with the increase in workplace stress and the effects of the recession, a survey has revealed.

The stigma attached to stress and counselling is rapidly diminishing, with 78% of people thinking that workplace stress is an acceptable reason to ask for counselling and psychotherapy, compared with only 44% in 2004.

The research, carried out by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), reported that around 29% of workers want more emotional support to help cope with work stress or the effect of personal problems brought to work.

The 2010 Attitudes to Counselling and Psychotherapy survey showed 54% of employees would like a confidential counselling service provided by their employer.

Out of the 1,440 people questioned, 84% reported the worsening economic situation had increased their need for counselling and psychotherapy.

Rick Hughes, BACP Workplace Lead Advisor, said: "Ten years ago there was sometimes a stigma regarding accessing counselling for personal or work-related issues. Today not only do we see an increasing acceptability but also a clear demand from employees for their employers to provide some form of access to counselling services.

"Organisations that provide counselling services for staff overwhelmingly find this translates to a multitude of positive benefits, including reduced absence, lower presenteeism, enhanced employee satisfaction, reduced accidents and improved productivity."

Copyright ⌐ Press Association 2010