Brian Wallace, Founder & President,NowSourcing

Around 83% of employees in the US battle work-related stress, with 25% saying that work is the number one stressor in their lives, as reported by Stress.org. A vast majority (76%) also feel that stress affects their personal relationships. Some of the primary sources of worry include heavy workloads, interpersonal issues, a lack of balance between one’s work and personal life, and job insecurity. It is vital for companies to take steps to tackle workers' stress and burnout, since failing to do so impacts the long-term health and wellbeing of employees and exposes businesses to financial loss and legal complications.

The Effects of Ignoring Worker Stress

Stress has significant and measurable effects on a company’s revenue. Depression-caused absence from work costs US companies $51 billion per year, plus approximately $26 billion in treatment costs. Companies can spend three-quarters of an employee’s salary finding a replacement or paying for lost productivity. Stress leads employees to lose interest in their jobs and impacts their ability to achieve goals.

Worker Stress and Burnout

Employees who are exposed to stress for a long period of time can experience burnout. Symptoms of this condition include feeling extremely tired, empty, and unable to cope with the demands of daily life and work. In severe cases, burnout can trigger depression and even suicidal thoughts. Employees may also feel cynical about the job or even hate going to work. Burnout can often manifest itself through physical symptoms as well. These include poor immunity, headaches, problems sleeping, high blood pressure, and gastrointestinal issues. 

When Stress is Traumatic

Sometimes, work stress can be so high that it can cause Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Those who can prove work related PTSD can seek compensation from their companies by making a claim. In order to receive a PTSD diagnosis, they need to demonstrate that they have been exposed to a traumatic event at work, that they are re-experiencing the trauma, that they are avoiding things that remind them of this event, that their personality and emotions have been affected, and that they have persistent feelings of arousal. Workers' compensation is an insurance-based process to some extent, companies may be covered against financial loss. However, affected employees may also decide to bring a personal injury claim against their company. This can be the case if the claims are based on fault and the employer’s negligence results in a lack of protection or support from the trauma that caused the PTSD. Successful employees can claim damages for a host of items, including loss of earnings, medical bills, future medical expenses, lost earning capacity, and more.

What Steps Can Companies Take to Battle Employee Stress?

Companies should take a proactive approach when it comes to protecting their employees’ mental health. Firstly, they should create a clear workplace policy that informs workers of when and how to seek help. The policy should include provisions for specific situations. If an employee loses a spouse or other close relative, for instance, the company may offer paid medical leave, flexibility, or a temporary change of roles. They may also refer the employee to a health provider, who should provide workers with a treatment plan. Companies should additionally offer workers employee assistance programs, providing free, confidential counseling services or access to mental health providers. Even small companies and startups can offer workers ad hoc advice from mental health professionals when required.

Creating a Positive Work Culture

Management should also take steps to ensure the workplace fosters good mental health. This can be achieved by offering employees free wellness and exercise classes (for instance, yoga and mindfulness meditation sessions at work, or free membership at a gym). They can also create norms that encourage open communication and feedback, so that those who have grievances can communicate them without fearing negative repercussions. Companies should invest in diversity, inclusivity, and team building, to help create positive working environments characterized by friendship and support instead of segregation, judgment, and unhealthy competition.

The vast majority of workers in the US and many other nations are battling unhealthy levels of stress. This can lead to burnout, PTSD, work absences, and other serious issues that can impact both the employee and the business. Companies should invest in mental health and make sure to offer stressed employees both mental health support and required flexibility until they are back on their feet.

About the Author:BrianWallace is the Founder and President of NowSourcing, an industry leading infographic design agency in Louisville, KY and Cincinnati, OH which works with companies ranging from startups to Fortune 500s.Brianruns #LinkedInLocal events, hosts theNext Action Podcast, and has been named a Google Small Business Adviser for 2016-present. Follow BrianWallace on LinkedIn as well as Twitter.