Fast Facts About Job Stress
The data on workplace stress is overwhelming. Here are the key statistics every employer, employee, and HR professional should know.
The Scope of the Problem
- The U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reports stress-related disorders as fast becoming the most prevalent reason for worker disability.
- The 1992 UN report called job stress “The 20th Century Epidemic.” The World Health Organization called job stress a “World Wide Epidemic.”
- Japan recognizes “Karoshi” — death from overwork — as a fatal combination of apoplexy, high blood pressure, and stress.
The Cost to Business
- Job stress is estimated to cost American industry $200-300 billion annually — measured in absenteeism, diminished productivity, employee turnover, accidents, direct medical, legal, and insurance fees, and workman’s compensation awards.
- 40% of worker turnover is due to job stress.
- Xerox estimates it costs $1 to $1.5 million dollars to replace a top executive. For an average employee, the cost is $2K to $13K per person.
- Corporate health benefits cost the average company 45% of after-tax profits (Foster Higgins & Co., 1990).
The Cost to Employees
- “Neurotic reaction to stress” is the 4th most disabling workplace injury (US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
- In 1993, over 25 days were lost on average per person suffering job stress.
- 25% of workers surveyed said their job was the single greatest cause of stress in their lives (NIOSH).
- Two studies in the British Medical Journal (1997) found job stress may increase chances of coronary heart disease.
Loss of Workplace Confidence
- International Survey Research Corporation poll: in 1988, 22% of polled workers said they were “frequently worried” about losing their job. By 1996, that number had risen to 46%.
- Job stress can be both cause and effect of workplace violence and harassment.
For more on managing workplace stress, see our Job Stress Tips page.