42 Worrying Workplace Stress Statistics

Stress, depression, and anxiety have become an unfortunate hallmark of modern life. Global data shows a troubling rise in mental health struggles. Thankfully, these issues are now being discussed more openly than ever before.

A large portion of the mental health crisis is linked to workplace stress. Economic changes and rising financial worries amplify the pressure employees face at work. Statistics on workplace stress reveal that heavy workloads, tight deadlines, and demanding supervisors are key contributors. If left unchecked, work-related stress can lead to severe mental health issues for employees. Beyond personal consequences, the financial toll is staggering; stress reduces productivity, costing private companies and governments billions annually.

We’ve compiled these statistics to highlight the scale of the workplace stress crisis.

Workplace Stress Statistics – Editor’s Choice

• 83% of U.S. workers experience work-related stress.
• Workplace stress costs U.S. businesses up to $300 billion annually.
• Around one million workers miss work every day due to stress.
• Only 43% of U.S. employees feel their employers care about their work-life balance.
• Depression leads to $51 billion in absenteeism costs and $26 billion in treatment expenses.
• Work-related stress contributes to 120,000 deaths and $190 billion in healthcare costs annually.

General Stats on Stress

1. 55% of Americans experience daily stress. Americans rank among the most stressed populations globally. Gallup’s 2019 report shows that over half of Americans experience stress each day, surpassing the global average of 35%. Greece remains the most stressed nation since 2012, with 59% of its population reporting daily stress.
2. Americans rate their stress level as 4.9 out of 10. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), stress levels have declined from a worrying 6.2 in 2007 to 4.9 in 2014.
3. Americans aged 30-49 are the most stressed age group. Gallup data indicates 65% of individuals in this age range experience stress. Younger Americans (15-29 years old) follow closely at 64%, while only 44% of those over 50 report similar levels.
4. Women report higher stress levels than men. The APA’s 2016 survey reveals that women rated their stress levels as 5.1 out of 10, compared to 4.4 for men.
5. A third of Americans sought medical help for stress in 2018. Everyday Health reports that over a third of U.S. respondents visited a doctor for stress-related concerns, with the figure rising to 54% among those with diagnosed mental health conditions.
6. 52% of Gen Z Americans have been diagnosed with mental health issues. There’s a clear generational divide; while 52% of Gen Z report mental health diagnoses, only 41% of baby boomers do.
7. 57% of stressed individuals feel paralyzed by it. Everyday Health data shows that more than half of those experiencing stress feel immobilized, while 43% say stress motivates them.

Statistics on Stress in the Workplace

8. 83% of U.S. workers face work-related stress. A survey by Everest College highlights that an overwhelming majority of U.S. workers experience stress due to their jobs, underscoring the widespread nature of the problem.
9. 94% of U.S. workers reported workplace stress in 2019. According to Wrike’s research, only 6% of employees were unaffected by workplace stress. Among them, 23% described their stress levels as high, with 6% deeming them excessively high.
10. 35% of employees cite their boss as the primary source of stress. Korn Ferry’s survey found that management is a significant stressor, with 80% of workers noting that leadership changes impact their stress levels.
11. 80% of workers experience stress from poor communication. Dynamic Signal’s 2019 survey shows ineffective communication practices as a growing stressor, with an alarming 30% increase in affected employees compared to the previous year.
12. 63% of workers are ready to quit their jobs due to stress. Dynamic Signal’s study also reveals that nearly two-thirds of employees are considering resigning because of work-related stress.
13. Heavy workloads are the top stressor for 39% of employees. Statista’s 2017 research shows workload as the leading cause of workplace stress, followed by interpersonal issues (31%), work-life balance challenges (19%), and job security concerns (6%).
14. Over a third of employees consider their job a consistent stress source. Everyday Health’s 2018 findings show that stress levels are even higher among Millennials and Gen Z, with 44% identifying their careers as a significant stressor.
15. 54% of employees say workplace stress affects their home life. Wrike’s survey indicates that work-related stress negatively influences employees' personal lives, showing the far-reaching consequences of workplace challenges.
16. Work ranks among the top three stressors for Americans. The APA’s 2017 survey identifies work (61%) as one of the leading stress sources, alongside concerns about the nation’s future (63%) and financial issues (62%).
17. 75% of workers believe they experience more stress than previous generations. NIOSH research underscores the perception that stress levels have intensified over time.
18. Depression is a top concern for employee assistance professionals. According to Mental Health America, depression, alongside family crises and stress, constitutes a significant workplace issue.
19. Only 43% of employees believe their employers value work-life balance. The APA’s 2011 survey reflects a disconnect between employers and employees regarding mental health and work-life harmony.
20. Workplace stress affected personal relationships for 76% of workers in 2018. Korn Ferry’s findings show a majority of employees reporting negative effects on personal relationships due to work stress.
21. Stress caused sleep deprivation for 66% of workers in 2018. Two-thirds of employees reported trouble sleeping as a result of workplace stress, according to Korn Ferry.
22. 16% of employees quit jobs due to stress. One in six workers cited stress as the reason for leaving their job, highlighting its impact on retention.
23. 60% of workers would leave a job due to a bad boss. Randstad USA’s data reveals that toxic management is a major stressor, leading many employees to quit.
24. 31% say unclear expectations cause the most stress during workplace changes. A Chicago Tribune survey found lack of clarity from supervisors to be the most stressful aspect of workplace changes.
25. 46% of workers considered joining the gig economy in 2019 to escape stress. Randstad USA’s findings suggest many workers view gig work as a potential solution to workplace stress.
26. Stress and anxiety impact productivity and coworker relations most. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) reports that productivity (56%) and coworker relationships (51%) are the areas most affected by workplace stress.
27. 51% of workers are disengaged due to stress. Gallup’s data indicates over half of employees are mentally "checked out," affecting productivity.
28. 41% of employees report stress-related productivity loss. Colonial Life’s findings show workplace stress as a significant driver of reduced productivity.
29. A third of workers risk burnout within 12 months. Wrike’s 2019 data highlights the long-term risks of sustained workplace stress.
30. Stress-coping methods differ by gender. Women tend to eat more and talk to family, while men are more likely to have sex or use illicit drugs.
31. Common stress responses include caffeine consumption, smoking, and exercise. ADAA data shows these as the most frequent coping strategies for both men and women.
32. Only 40% of stressed employees talk to their employers. A lack of communication about stress persists in the workplace, as ADAA data highlights.
33. 34% fear reporting stress will be seen as disinterest. ADAA reports fear of judgment as a primary barrier to discussing stress with employers.
34. Only 40% of employees who report stress receive help. When stress is reported, responses are often limited, such as referrals to mental health professionals or stress management classes.

Statistics on the Cost of Workplace Stress

35. Workplace stress causes 120,000 deaths annually in the U.S. The Center for Workplace Mental Health estimates these deaths result in $190 billion in healthcare costs yearly.
36. 75% of annual salary is lost due to stress-related productivity issues. HuffPost’s data highlights the financial cost of replacing stressed workers or covering lost productivity.
37. Mental health absences lead to more sick days than physical issues. The UK’s Mental Health Foundation reports workers with stress-related absences are seven times more likely to miss additional days.
38. One million workers miss work daily due to stress. The American Institute of Stress underscores the widespread economic impact of stress-related absenteeism.
39. Absenteeism due to poor health cost $84 billion in 2013. Gallup’s data highlights the significant economic toll of stress on the workforce.
40. 20% of employees spend five hours weekly worrying about stress. Colonial Life’s findings show the direct impact of stress on productivity.
41. 80% of employees spend 12-20 work hours monthly on financial concerns. IFEBP’s data reveals how personal financial stress carries over into the workplace.
42. Depression costs $51 billion in absenteeism and $26 billion in treatment. Mental Health America emphasizes the steep cost of untreated workplace mental health issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is stress in the workplace? Workplace stress refers to harmful mental and physical duress caused by various factors at work. It can lead to anxiety, depression, and other serious mental issues.
• What causes stress at work? Common causes include strained relations with management, workload, and deadlines, contributing to employee stress levels.
• How does stress affect productivity? While some may find stress motivating, most workers experience drops in productivity, lower engagement, and increased absenteeism.
• What are the signs of stress in the workplace? Warning signs include taking sick days, requesting pay advancements, and handling personal issues during work hours.
• What relationships at work could trigger stress? Bosses, upper management, and peers are common sources of workplace stress.
• How do I stop stressing at work? Identify stressors, develop healthy coping mechanisms, relax, and seek professional support if necessary.
• What are the risks of stress in the workplace? Stress can lead to productivity loss, burnout, and serious mental health issues if untreated.

‍To Conclude

The statistics paint a grim picture. Rising workplace stress is a serious issue, driven by economic pressures, poor management, and overwhelming workloads. These stressors not only harm individual employees but also impose significant financial burdens on companies and economies.

Improved employer-employee relationships and better mental health support are essential steps toward mitigating workplace stress. Without these changes, the outlook for workplace mental health remains concerning.