Introduction
Work-related stress, a silent pandemic, is taking a heavy toll on the lives of Mexicans beyond their workplaces. According to the fifth edition of the AXA Health Report in collaboration with Ipsos, 82% of Mexicans acknowledge that work-related burnout impacts their daily lives.
Impact of Work Stress on Personal Life
On average, work stress causes 2.7 negative impacts on workers’ personal lives, including difficulties sleeping, reduced concentration, and deteriorating interpersonal relationships. These issues stem from factors such as salary levels, job security concerns, workload, inability to balance work and personal life, limited development opportunities, and organizational climate.
Work Stress as a Threat to Companies
Beyond personal struggles, work stress poses a risk to businesses. In the past year, one in four Mexican employees experienced medical incapacity due to mental health issues, leading to absenteeism.
Prevalence of Mental Health Issues
Generally, 47% of Mexicans may experience moderate, severe, or extreme levels of anxiety, stress, or depression. However, the workplace remains an unlikely setting for discussing mental health concerns.
- Only 7% of individuals share their worries with colleagues.
- 60% discuss these issues with family members.
- 32% talk to friends.
- Only 17% confide in mental health professionals.
Work Stress Persists into 2024
This report isn’t the only one highlighting the structural health issue that work-related stress has become. An OCC report indicates that over the past year, at least six out of ten people have noticed an increase in their work-related stress levels.
The OCC report, “Impact of Work Stress on Employees,” reveals that last year:
- 30% of workers experienced a considerable increase in stress levels.
- 29% noticed a slight rise.
According to the latest OCC report, employees recognize that burnout:
- Reduces motivation and commitment (45%).
- Decreases work quality (40%).
- Lowers productivity (38%).
- Increases company turnover (38%).
- Raises the likelihood of errors (30%).
Key Questions and Answers
- What is work-related stress? Work-related stress, or burnout, refers to the strain and exhaustion caused by demanding work conditions.
- How does work stress affect personal life? Work stress can lead to sleep difficulties, reduced concentration, and strained interpersonal relationships.
- What are the causes of work stress? Common causes include salary concerns, job security issues, heavy workloads, inability to balance work and personal life, limited growth opportunities, and negative organizational climate.
- How does work stress impact businesses? Work stress can result in employee absenteeism due to mental health issues.
- What percentage of Mexicans experience mental health issues? Approximately 47% of Mexicans may experience moderate, severe, or extreme levels of anxiety, stress, or depression.
- Why is it difficult to discuss work-related stress in the workplace? Only a small percentage of individuals feel comfortable sharing their concerns with colleagues, preferring to discuss these matters with family, friends, or mental health professionals.
- How has work-related stress evolved? Work-related stress has become a persistent issue, with 6 out of 10 people reporting increased stress levels in the past year.
- What negative consequences does work stress have on productivity and employee retention? Work stress reduces motivation, lowers work quality and productivity, increases turnover, and raises the likelihood of errors.
