Facts on Stress in the Workplace
Here are some findings from several surveys compiled by Leigh Branham in her book The 7 Hidden Reasons Employees Leave
Health care expenditures are nearly 50% greater for workers who report high levels of stress
Lost work time due to depression costs companies $31 billion to 441 billion per year in lost productivity
79% of employers think they take care of their employees, yet only 44% of employees agree
57% of graduating students around the world rate maintaining a balance between work and personal life as their primary career goal and a key to choosing their first employer.
According to Canada Safety Council report dated April 2008, mental health claims are the fastest growing category of disability costs in Canada. They account for an estimated 30 to 40 percent of the disability claims recorded by Canada’s major insurers and employers. Three-quarters of employers say mental health issues are the leading cause of short and long term disability claims in their organization.
Surveys conducted by the Center for Work–Life Policy (CWLP) show that between June 2007 and December 2008, the number of employees expressing loyalty to employers plunged from 95 percent to 39 percent. The number trusting their employers fell just as dramatically, from 79 percent to 22 percent over the same time period
The research has proven that chronic stress can lead to depression. According to the Unheralded Business Crises in Canada, wrong or partial treatment of depressed personnel invades the workplace. Effects on work can include: problems with decision-making and concentration, lower productivity, more errors and accidents, and an increase in absenteeism.