The dangers of workplace stress
High stress is leading to employee burnout, according to the StressPulse survey by ComPsych Corporation, a Chicago-based company specializing in employee assistance programs, managed behavioral health, work-life issues, and crisis intervention services.
"Employee stress levels have spiked due to the war, which was to be expected," says Richard A. Chaifetz, chairman and CEO of ComPsych. "What is surprising, however, is the level of near-burnout we found in survey responses. More than 62% of employees are concerned with simply getting by and accomplishing only basic tasks, while 26% consider being present at work the most important objective."
This phenomenon of presenteeism — being present at work when distracted, tired or ill — can be triggered by high stress levels and can have a significant impact upon productivity and a company’s bottom line, he adds.
"World events, a lagging economy, and increased workloads have conspired to deliver an enormous blow to worker morale and productivity," according to Chaifetz. "Employers should take note: Use whatever means possible to encourage and support your existing work force, whether it is recognition, training, and personal development, or an employee assistance program."
Among the survey findings:
- 48% of respondents have high levels of stress, with extreme fatigue/feeling out of control
- 38% have constant but manageable stress levels
- 14% have lower stress levels
- 62% see accomplishing basic responsibilities as most important
- 26% see being present as most important
- 12% see performance improvement as most important
- 41% cite workload as the main cause of stress, while 31% cite people issues and 28% cite juggling work and personal life
- 49% lose 1 hour or more per day in productivity due to stress
- 15% lose 15 minutes per day in productivity due to stress
- 36% report productivity is unaffected by stress
- 40% miss 1 to 2 days per year due to stress
- 37% miss 3 to 6 days per year due to stress
- 23% miss more than 6 days per year due to stress
- 44% come to work 1 to 4 days per year when too stressed to be effective
- 19% come to work more than 6 days per year when too stressed to be effective
- 37% say stress does not impact effectiveness
High stress is leading to employee burnout, according to the StressPulse survey by ComPsych Corporation, a Chicago-based company specializing in employee assistance programs, managed behavioral health, work-life issues, and crisis intervention services.
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