Workplace Stress Soars across the Globe

(PRWEB) November 28, 2009

Almost six in 10 workers in key global economies experienced a rise in workplace stress over the last two years according to a global survey undertaken by Regus.

Australian workers, however, experienced a lower rise in stress, with 55 per cent reporting that their levels of stress have grown “higher” or “much higher” over the past two years, compared with the international average of 58%.

The Regus BusinessTracker asked more than 11,000 respondents from 13 countries about their experience in the workplace during tough economic times. The resulting data offers a consistent survey benchmark with which to assess national work environments versus global averages.

The most significant stress hike in the countries surveyed occurred in China, with a full 86 per cent reporting an increase in stress, a result that may be attributed to the massive economic boom currently shaping the country. The World Bank has forecast that the Chinese GDP is set to expand by an astronomical 8.4 per cent in 2009.

The lowest increase in stress was felt in the Netherlands and Germany, with 47 per cent and 48 per cent respectively reporting a rise.

Regus’s survey confirmed that 40 per cent of Australian workers are particularly stressed by the increased focus on profitability that has arisen during the global recession. Another factor responsible for increasing workplace stress is the risk of unemployment or business failure: 36 per cent identified this as a major stress-causing factor.

Company size has also had an influence on the level of stress increase experienced in recent years. Regus found that workers in larger Australian companies (more than 1,000 employees) have experienced a greater rise in workplace stress: 72 per cent of employees in larger firms have reported higher levels of stress, versus 48 per cent of people in small firms.

William Willems, Regional Vice President, South East Asia, The Regus Group, said that the results have implications for Australian businesses of all sizes as they move forward during economic recovery.

“Though many countries have announced the technical exit from recession, expert commentators have noted that recovery will not take significant strides for another six to 12 months,” he said.

”For company employees and managers, this means that stressful challenges still lie ahead before the momentum of recovery really takes hold.

“Stress in the workforce can provide companies with real problems: management and work productivity can be seriously impaired, motivation levels may be damaged, and conflict between colleagues can undermine professionalism. With any of these factors in play, companies will see damage to bottom-line commercial and financial results. At a time when firms are fighting to return to significant growth, managing stress becomes a crucial issue.

“There are a number of effective ways businesses can look to lessen stress, including encouraging Australians to take their well earned leave over the Christmas break, improving workplace culture, offering flexible work hours and allowing them the flexibility to work closer to home,” said Mr Willems.

About The Regus Group

The Regus Group is the world’s leading provider of pioneering workplace solutions, with products and services ranging from fully equipped office space to professional meeting rooms, business lounges and virtual offices. The Regus Group has workplace solutions around Australia, including serviced offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and more.

For more information, please contact:

Hollie Jenkins

Porter Novelli Sydney

Ph: (02) 8987 2134 or 0402 843 933

hjenkins (at) porternovelli.com (dot) au

Matthew White

Regus

02 9006 1019

Matthew.White (at) regus (dot) com

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