Stress, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), is a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation. While stress is a natural human response, it can look and feel different for each person. For example, a five-year-old girl feels nervous before her first soccer match and has an upset stomach. A college student worries about exams during finals week, and has trouble sleeping. A recently promoted manager prepping for a presentation gets irritable with his spouse.

These are common responses to stressful, but temporary, situations. But what happens when what we feel moves beyond the normal response and becomes a chronic way of life affecting our physical and mental health, and ultimately our relationships and our jobs?

Why you should care about job-related stress

Twenty-five percent of workers say job-related stress is the number-one stressor in their lives and affects not only job performance, but also their personal relationships. Stress at work is a big problem and has ripple effects that impact not only the employee, but also their coworkers, managers, the company and the economy as a whole.

According to the American Institute of Stress, 83 percent of U.S. workers say they suffer from work-related stress and nearly one million people miss work each day as a result. It’s estimated that overall job stress costs the U.S. economy more than $300 billion. With statistics like these, it is more important than ever to take stress seriously, learning to recognize the common causes, and spot the warning signs so you can address it.

Recognize the causes of stress

Work-related stressors are many, and can look different based on things like industry, job tasks, environment, etc. However, there are some very common stressors found across all jobs and industries. A heavy workload is reported to be the number-one cause of stress, followed by personnel issues including lack of support from superiors, poor relationships with team members, and exclusion, harassment, and bullying. Difficulty balancing work and home life also plays a role, as does job insecurity. If left unchecked, the results can be detrimental. So what are some things you can do to help reduce or eliminate excessive stress for your employees?

Know the warning signs

First, learn the warning signs of stress and help your employees identify them. Stress can manifest in many different ways. Some common side effects include headache, trouble sleeping, upset stomach, increased irritability, and loss of appetite, all of which can result in the following behaviors:

  • Inability to focus
  • Increase in job errors and accidents
  • Reduced productivity
  • Low morale
  • Unplanned absences

Invest in mental health programs and resources

It pays to invest in your employees’ mental health to create a happier, healthier, and safer workplace. According to WHO, for every $1 put into treatment addressing common mental disorders, the U.S. sees a return of $4 in improved health and productivity. So, what are some things you can do to combat job-related stress and make mental health a priority? Consider doing the following:

  • Reexamine your health insurance policies to add a focus on mental health care.
  • Promote a culture of wellbeing and invest in mental health training for managers and employees.
  • Ensure your employees are aware of available resources and offer a mentor program or employee-led support group.
  • Encourage a healthy work-life balance and provide scheduling flexibility.
  • Regularly recognize and show appreciation to your employees.

For more information on workplace stress, Kaiser Permanente’s Mental Health and Wellness resources offer important information you can use. In addition, be sure to take a look at their Mental Health Awareness Training.

Show you care by making mental health a priority. Help your workers identify and address symptoms of stress before they become chronic and affect job performance. Creating a happier and healthier workplace will increase morale, decrease unplanned absences, and ultimately have a positive effect on workers, employers, and your business.

(Rev 03/2024)