Council employees are under sustained pressure, with more than a quarter (26%) reporting mental exhaustion by day's end, according to new research from Commercial Services Group (CSG).
The study of 4,000 UK workers found 56% of local government staff lack sufficient staffing most of the time, with one in five saying this causes frequent stress.
Gill Nye, managing director of HR Connect, said structural conditions are driving poor wellbeing, with around one in five public sector workers considering leaving due to pressure.
Sandra Farquharson, President of Public Services People Managers Association (PPMA), noted that 71% feel supported by managers, underlining leadership's role in building resilience.
But she added: ‘The research also reminds us that managers cannot do this alone. Organisations must create the conditions – through effective workforce planning, adequate resourcing and strong organisational support – that enable both managers and employees to thrive.’
