A survey of frontline charity workers has found that more than four in five are experiencing at least one work related wellbeing and mental health issue.

Trouble sleeping, burnout or emotional exhaustion, physical health issues and anxiety are among symptoms being reported by workers.

Around one in six say they are “very or extremely affected by the emotional demands of the role, found the Association of Charitable Organisation (ACO)’s anonymous survey of 122 frontline charity workers.

More than four in five experience challenging interactions with people in distress and for one in seven this is daily.

Just under one in five say they have taken time off work due to the emotional impact of the role. In a third of cases workers were absent for more than 11 days.

The biggest challenge workers say they face include managing increasingly complex needs of beneficiaries, feeling unable to help everyone in need, high workloads, red tape and limited staffing and resources.

Maintaining boundaries between work and home life is another major concern among staff, as is balancing the emotional demands of the role with expectations around performance, found the survey, which has been published in partnership with workplace mental health organisation Rightsteps.

Lack of access to support

But around three in four have not accessed any workplace wellbeing or mental health support in the last year and just over one in ten do not even know if it is available to them.

Instead “support is often informal rather than organisations”, found ACO.

Informal coping strategies include talking to friends, family and colleagues, walking and spending time outside, exercise, taking breaks and taking part in hobbies and relaxation activities.

Despite the emotional demands of the role just under two thirds of frontline charity worker rate their job satisfaction at between eight and ten out of ten.

“Many respondents report strong confidence in managing their own emotional wellbeing and continue to find their work meaningful, rewarding and purposeful despite its challenges,” the research found.

It added: “Overall, the findings highlight a committed and resilient workforce, but one operating under sustained emotional pressure.

“This suggests a clear opportunity for charities to strengthen organisation-wide, proactive approaches to support.”

One survey respondent told AOC that “we experience a lot of loss as we work with older people and they die, but we also experience a lot of joy and laughter with our beneficiaries”.

They added: “It is very emotional work, all of it, whether it’s a simple grant application, a home visit to see a member, or supporting someone after a bereavement.

“We are in contact with members going through major life events, whether it’s major illness or family breakdown, and it is a privilege to be able to be there as a listening ear.”

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