Stress is no stranger in the workplace. According to a 2012 survey of employees, nearly half were said to be suffering from moderate to severe levels of stress when at work. 66% of those surveyed said they had trouble on the job trying to focus because of the stress affecting their lives. The World Health Organization has dubbed stress the health epidemic of the 21st century.
Stress levels were surveyed in the workplace because it is estimated that more than $300 billion is spent every year by businesses due to stress-related issues. 21% of surveyed workers say they make mistakes or miss deadlines due to stress. This can lower productivity and cause safety issues. Another 15.5% of workers say that stress leads to trouble associating with co-workers and their management personnel. 14.9% indicate stress is responsible for their missing time from work.
Another huge concern with stress in the workplace concerns the prevalence of behavioral disability and its costs. The expenses are said to have increased more than 300% over the last ten years. Stress also accounts for 30% of disability claims. Indirectly stress is indicated as being the chief factor leading to other illnesses and accounting for 70% of the appointments made at the family doctor.
Medical experts have issued warnings about the effects of stress when it is not dealt with properly. Hazardous situations can develop in the workplace when stress levels are high and co-workers are not getting along. Stress can also cause reduced productivity levels and loss of quality in work. Missed time from work is also a side effect of stress.
The bottom line of stress is that it can affect the lives of the worker and the profitability of a business.