Workplace Stress: Most Stressful Industries

‍The impact of workplace stress is a massive challenge for employees, employers and HR professionals alike. Here are some strategies to help.

What Workplace Stress Impacts

Have you ever been asked how you are and replied with something like “Work is stressing me out”? Undoubtedly, most of us have uttered this at least once or twice. As a pervasive and urgent problem, taking a break and examining the impact of stress in our workplaces is not just essential but a pressing need. Regardless of sector - private, public, or charity - work-related stress affects many of us. From making KPIs to meeting deadlines and navigating office politics to balancing work and family life, our jobs can be significant sources of stress.

Recent studies have shed light on the economic impact of workplace stress:

• Since 2019, the annual cost of poor mental health to UK employers has increased by 25%, reaching up to £56 billion.
• Work-related stress and burnout cost the UK economy £28 billion annually, resulting in 23.3 million sick days annually.
• Employers can see an average return of £5.30 for every £1 invested in mental health initiatives, underscoring the significant value of these strategies in reducing workplace stress and improving overall productivity.

The Most Stressful Industries

Research has identified several industries as particularly stressful in the UK:

1. Healthcare: Over 80% of doctors report feeling stressed or burnt out, with extended hours and heavy workloads being significant factors.
2. Education: More than 80% of teachers feel stressed, citing unmanageable workloads and accountability pressures.
3. Hospitality: Eight out of 10 chefs report poor mental health during their careers, with staff shortages and time constraints contributing to stress.
4. Legal: Over 90% of solicitors, particularly those in smaller firms, report feeling stressed.
5. Media: More than 80% of journalists experience stress, often due to high workloads and pressure to produce content quickly.
6. Social Work: Social workers report high emotional exhaustion and job stress, often due to challenging working conditions and limited resources.
7. Technology: Workers in this field face long hours, tight deadlines, and a rapidly changing work environment.
8. Mental Health: Ironically, mental health professionals also report high levels of stress and burnout.

The Impact of Workplace Stress

Workplace stress can decrease productivity, job dissatisfaction, absenteeism, and high turnover rates. It can also cause physical health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. In extreme cases, such as in Japan, overwork-related stress has even led to deaths, a phenomenon known as 'Karoshi ', which translates to 'death by overwork '.

Combating Workplace Stress: Strategies and Expert Insights

As we recognise the prevalence and impact of workplace stress, it's crucial to implement effective strategies to mitigate its effects. HR professionals play a considerable role in this process, often designing and implementing workplace policies. 

Here are some ways organisations, with the help of HR professionals, can help reduce stress and promote awareness:

Bring in Burnout Experts

Engaging burnout experts can provide invaluable insights and strategies tailored to your organisation's needs. These professionals can:

- Conduct workplace assessments to identify stress triggers

- Provide training on stress management techniques

- Develop customised programs to address specific industry challenges

- Offer one-on-one coaching for employees and leadership

Dr Christina Maslach, a pioneering researcher in occupational burnout, emphasises the importance of organisational-level interventions: "It's not just about helping individuals cope better with the demands of their job, but about creating work environments that foster engagement and well-being."

Flexible Working Arrangements

Offering flexible work hours or remote work options can help employees better manage their work-life balance. A Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) study found that flexible working arrangements can increase job satisfaction and reduce stress levels. Experts like Bruce Daisley, a thought leader in remote and hybrid working and author of a book on debunking resilience myths, are perfect for helping your leadership team get buy-in.

Promote Mental Health Awareness

Organise regular workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns to destigmatise mental health issues in the workplace. Consider implementing Mental Health First Aid training for managers and team leaders. Speakers like Rob Hosking, a former front-line police officer, or Josh Connolly, a mindfulness expert, are excellent at helping your team start honest conversations.

Encourage Regular Breaks and Time Off

Promote a culture that values rest and recovery. Encourage employees to take their full allotment of vacation days and to use break times effectively. Some companies have even implemented mandatory vacation policies to ensure employees disconnect from work. A talk from Selina Barker, a burnout coach, might be just the ticket to encourage people to take a break.

Provide Stress-Reduction Resources

Offer on-site or virtual yoga classes, meditation sessions, or subscriptions to mindfulness apps. For instance, Google's 'Search Inside Yourself' program, which teaches mindfulness and emotional intelligence, has successfully reduced employee stress by providing practical tools to manage and improve their well-being. However, as workplace wellbeing expert and psychologist Nic Smith says, be careful not to use wellness as a sticking plaster. She says changes must be made to an organisation's structure, process and culture.

Foster Open Communication

Create channels for employees to voice concerns and provide feedback without fear of repercussion (psychological safety). Regular check-ins and surveys can help identify stress points before they become significant issues. 

Set Realistic Expectations

Work with teams to set achievable goals and deadlines. Unrealistic expectations can be a significant source of stress. As burnout expert Jennifer Moss notes, "Chronic overwork is not sustainable and leads to diminishing returns."

Invest in Employee Development

Provide opportunities for skill development and career growth. Feeling stagnant in one's career can be a significant source of stress. Offering clear paths for advancement can increase job satisfaction and reduce stress.

Lead by Example

Leadership needs to set the tone for workplace culture. When leaders prioritise their well-being and openly discuss stress management, employees are encouraged to do the same. Need help? Enlist a CEO speaker to inspire your SLT.

Regular Stress Audits

Conducting periodic assessments of workplace stress levels and the effectiveness of stress-reduction initiatives can be enlightening. Use this data to continually refine and improve your approach, ensuring that your strategies are always up-to-date and effective. Workplace wellbeing experts can help you devise and launch an audit.

By implementing these strategies and working with burnout experts, organisations can create a more supportive, less stressful work environment. A less stressful workplace benefits individual employees and contributes to improved productivity, reduced turnover, and a more energised, resilient organisation.

Remember, addressing workplace stress is an ongoing process that requires commitment at all levels of an organisation. As Dr. Maslach puts it, "Creating a healthy workplace is not a one-time fix, but a continuous journey of improvement and adaptation."

💡 Do you need an expert speaker to kick off your stress management program? Let us know, and we’ll find the perfect PepTalk expert for your organisation. Email us at hello@getapeptalk.com or send us a message via the chat. You can also call us on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US). Remember, it’s always a good time to get a PepTalk!