Aussie workers have the highest stress levels in APAC, says new report

New research has shown that the stress levels of Aussie workers are through the roof.

Aussie workers, regardless of industry, have reported that they are experiencing stress, on average, about 12 times per week, which puts Aussie workers at the top of the list compared to their counterparts across the Asia-Pacific region.

Compared to the other countries surveyed, Australia was the highest, with India following in second place, with most saying they experience stress 11 times per week.

The study undertaken by ADP revealed that more than half (57 per cent) of Australian workers believe that stress adversely impacts their work, affecting their productivity.

Although increased awareness around burnout and stress levels has been produced across Aussie workplaces, the findings discovered that, in reality, employers are struggling to adequately support their workers.

The recent Safe Work report also highlighted that rising stress levels among workers can directly lead to major mental and physical health ramifications, which, in turn, has huge organisational impacts.

Judy Barnett, operations director at ADP Australia, said: “While many Australian businesses continue to prioritise the mental wellbeing of their employees, our data shows that there is still room for improvement.”

“Even with strategic workplace programs in place, the lack of personal support and networks on the ground can still lead to poor mental health, which can negatively impact an employee’s engagement, job satisfaction, and workplace productivity.”

According to the report, the main causes of work-related mental stress in Australia often arise from work pressure (31 per cent), work-related harassment and/or bullying (27 per cent), and workplace violence (14 per cent).

The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimated that when workers experience good health and wellbeing management, which can be supported by employers, their performance increases by 2.5 per cent.

“Employers should consider re-evaluating existing mental health programs, normalising conversations around mental health, and providing resources to help workers improve their skills in managing conversations in this sensitive space,” said Barnett.

“Implementing or improving valuable third-party resources, such as an employee assistance program, is also an excellent way to provide confidential support and help handle difficult conversations.”

When you pair the workplace stress triggers with financial stressors such as the cost-of-living crisis, workers are under the pump both in and out of the workplace. Thus, further driving the need for employee assistance programs (EAPs).

“So many families and Australians are experiencing heightened stress, anxiety and financial insecurity, so instead of spending their own financial budget to get mental health support, they now utilise the EAP service more than before,” said Australian College of Applied Professions (ACAP) graduate and Veretis owner Rany Moran.

“Overall, there is and will continue to be an increased number of companies looking for reliable local Australian EAPs.”