Over Two-thirds of Younger Workers Experience Phone Anxiety

Have you ever hesitated to make a simple phone call at work, feeling your heart race as you contemplate dialling the number? Perhaps you’ve experienced the relief of the call going unanswered, or the dread of picking up the ringing office phone.

If so, you’re not alone. These are telltale signs of what millions of UK employees silently battle every day: phone anxiety.

New research by telephone answering provider Face For Business sheds light on the true extent of this pervasive problem within the UK, revealing that a staggering 65% of UK office workers experience some level of anxiety when using the phone.

Termed ‘telephobia’, this genuine fear of engaging in phone conversations, is a common issue affecting numerous employees across the country.

Of particular concern is the disproportionate impact on younger workers aged 18-34, who were found to be more susceptible to this telephobia compared to their older counterparts. 55% of 18-24 year olds and 67% of 25-34 year olds say their telephobia has prevented them from answering the phone.

Mike Davies, communications expert at Face For Business, says: “Phone anxiety isn’t merely an inconvenience; it’s a significant challenge that can hinder productivity and prevent effective communication in professional settings.

“From the discomfort of initiating a call to the overwhelming sense of relief when it goes unanswered, individuals grappling with phone anxiety experience a minefield of emotions every time the phone rings.”

When asked what the reasons were behind their phone fears, the most significant contributing factor respondents mentioned were feelings of ‘general nerves’ when answering the phone. This was followed by concerns over confrontations with angry customers.

Mike says: “Perhaps one of the most worrying things our research about phone anxiety in the workforce has uncovered, is the severity of the anxiety being experienced by some workers. Overall, more than a third of employees surveyed in our study (35%) said they rated their anxiety levels between ‘very’ and ‘extremely’ anxious when thinking about dealing with work calls.”

Exposure therapy

Gradually exposing oneself to making and receiving phone calls can help desensitise the fear over time. Start with small steps, such as making brief calls to close friends or family members, and gradually work up to more challenging calls, such as calling strangers or making important business calls.

Practice relaxation techniques

Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation, can aid in the reduction of the physical symptoms of anxiety. A rapid heart rate or sweating only exacerbates feelings of anxiety. That’s why taking a few seconds to calm yourself is so important.

Prepare talking points

Having a clear plan of what to say can help alleviate the fear of not knowing what to say during the call. Practice the script either in your head or out loud beforehand to boost your confidence.

Challenge negative thoughts

Ask yourself if there is any evidence to support these negative thoughts and whether they are realistic or exaggerated. Replace negative thoughts with more positive and rational ones, such as focusing on the potential benefits of the call.

Seek support

A therapist or counsellor can provide guidance, support, and practical strategies for managing anxiety and gradually overcoming phone phobia. There can also be workplace opportunities in place to get the proper training on how to talk on the phone