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WASHINGTON, Jul 29, 2003 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- Mounting stress in the workplace is reaching burnout levels as more workers report feeling unable to meet the demands of their jobs.
The rise in stress -- driven by mounting unemployment, leaner workplaces and the nation's jobless recovery -- could pose a bottom-line threat to companies as workers suffer more mental and physical health problems related to job pressure, USA Today reported.
Nearly 35 percent of workers say they've seen an increase in anxiety and stress-related physical ailments in their workplace in the last year, according to a survey by The Marlin Co., a Connecticut-based workplace communications firm.
The mounting stress level is a concern for employers because human-resources experts say employees exposed to stresses such as layoffs are more likely to engage in violent behavior, have more injuries, have worse health and while they work more they are less effective.
Chicago-based ComPsych experienced a 23 percent increase in crisis- and stress-counseling requests from client companies in the first quarter of 2003 compared with 2002.
Copyright 2003 by United Press International.
