NOW the festivities are over, Basingstoke’s office workers have returned to high stress levels.

This is according to a new report by workspace provider Regus, which is based on Chineham Park.

It reports that two fifths of the local workforce are saying they are closer to burning out than they were just five years ago.

The top triggers of workplace stress are lack of exercise, feeling understaffed and long commutes.

However, with the pressure on to find ways of reducing stress, many workers believe one way of easing the tension is a break from the main office – at least some of the time. Eight in ten Basingstoke workers found a change of scenery such as working from another location to be a good stress reliever.

In fact, having the freedom to occasionally work away from the main office is seen as a key factor in achieving a good work-life balance. Three in five respondents believe workers that have this flexibility are happier.

Similarly, freelance workers also tend to be more relaxed according to the research. Forty-four per cent of those questioned said that they think freelance workers, with their freedom to change location and set their own hours, are less stressed than regular staff.

Regus UK chief executive officer Richard Morris, said: “Stress levels are mounting in the workplace as a result of various factors – workers feel deskbound and under-resourced. Dedicated workspaces offer the flexibility to work in a variety of locations.

“This is the future of work and brings a number of benefits including improved productivity and employee well-being.”