Understanding Workplace Stress

Stress—we’ve all experienced it at some point. Whether in our personal or professional lives (or often a combination of both), we have all felt the pressure that arises when life’s demands start to feel overwhelming.

The turbulence that organisations have faced in recent years has undoubtedly contributed to rising stress levels. Just as people begin to regain a sense of stability after one major disruption, another emerges, disrupting any newly found balance. This constant upheaval has had a profound impact on workplace stress. Research confirms that increased stress at work directly correlates with reduced productivity (World Health Organization).

Reflecting on how the workplace has evolved since 2020, it is unsurprising that people are feeling overwhelmed. From the widespread shift to remote work and back again to economic uncertainty and shifting priorities, employees are under immense pressure. With record-low engagement and record-high stress being widely reported (Gallup), Wiley Workplace Intelligence sought to understand how people are feeling right now, what this means for organisations, and crucially—what can be done to regain balance in an ever-changing environment.

Workplace Stress at an All-Time High

Wiley Workplace Intelligence surveyed 2,002 individuals and found that an astonishing 95% reported experiencing stress in some form. Stress is defined as a state of mental or emotional strain caused by adverse or demanding circumstances, which may stem from work pressures, personal or family issues, or significant life changes (NHS).

📊 36% Report Experiencing Severe Stress

Of those who reported experiencing stress, 36% described their stress levels as severe. Half of all respondents also indicated that their stress had significantly increased in the past six months.

The reasons behind this are varied:

Political uncertainty
The push to return to the office
Economic instability forcing rapid shifts in organisational priorities
Stress manifests in many ways, both emotionally and physically. Symptoms may range from irritability and a lack of focus to more physical issues such as headaches, muscle tension, and fatigue (Mayo Clinic). Elevated stress levels can significantly impact daily life, workplace productivity, and overall functioning, ultimately affecting the health of an organisation as a whole.

The Impact of Stress on Employees

89% Report Emotional Symptoms (Mind UK)
82% Report Physical Symptoms (British Heart Foundation)
77% Say It Affects Their Ability to Communicate Effectively
72% Say It Impacts the Quality of Their Work

Despite these significant figures, respondents also stated that they continue to meet deadlines and maintain performance, but not without difficulty. Balancing ongoing stress with productivity is challenging. External global uncertainties, personal challenges such as health or family concerns, and workplace pressures all contribute to increasing stress levels—presenting a serious concern for organisations.

Now is the time to invest in employee well-being (CIPD).

The Top Three Causes of Workplace Stress

Over half of respondents (60%) reported that their high stress levels negatively affect their productivity—something that is easy to understand when considering the key causes of workplace stress.

📊 60% say high stress levels reduce productivity.

1. Constant Change

The leading cause of increased workplace stress is the relentless pace of change. Employees are facing high levels of uncertainty, including:

Anxiety surrounding return-to-office mandates (BBC Worklife)
Worries about job security due to layoffs (Financial Times)
The introduction of new AI tools disrupting workflows (MIT Technology Review)

2. Excessive Responsibilities

Many respondents cited an unmanageable workload as a key stressor. Having too many responsibilities can lead to burnout, especially when individuals feel ill-equipped to handle them (Burnout Prevention Guide - Harvard Business School).

3. Lack of Clarity

Uncertainty in the workplace was another major stress factor. Employees struggle with unclear expectations, leading to:

Anxiety about performance
Difficulty prioritising tasks
Decreased motivation

Without clear goals, employees may feel lost and overwhelmed (McKinsey).

How Organisations Can Reduce Stress

Our research identified three key areas where organisations can take immediate action to alleviate workplace stress:

1. Increase Resources

Ensuring adequate staffing levels to distribute workloads evenly
Investing in mental health resources (Mind UK)

2. Provide Better Support

Offering mental health days and flexible working arrangements (UK Government Guidance)
Encouraging teamwork and collaboration via iNOMEE Training

3. Improve Communication

Setting clear expectations and goals
Providing regular updates and check-ins

Final Thoughts

While organisations cannot control external global events, leaders have the power to shape workplace culture in ways that prioritise employee well-being and minimise stress. A less stressed workforce is a more productive and engaged one in the long run.

At iNOMEE, we provide tailored training programmes designed to help organisations foster resilience, improve team dynamics, and develop strong leadership at every level. Our solutions include:

Workplace for Team Engagement – Enhancing collaboration and communication to create cohesive, high-performing teams.
Management Masterclass – Equipping managers with the skills to navigate workplace challenges effectively.
Our Newest Leadership Development Programme – A cutting-edge training initiative designed to cultivate strong, adaptable, and future-ready leaders.

By investing in iNOMEE’s training solutions, organisations can create a healthier, more engaged workplace where employees thrive. Get in touch today to learn how we can support your team’s success.

The Hidden Cost of Workplace Stress: Impact on Employees and Productivity