Feeling stressed? Read this.

• Author: Nelson, Bob
• Position: Rewarding Employees

The latest survey research from ComPsych, the world's largest employee assistance program provider (www.compsych.com), confirms what most of us already know: We are stressed out at work. Some 48 percent of employees today report high levels of stress coupled with extreme fatigue and a sense of feeling out of control. Another 38 percent reported constant, but manageable, stress levels. The other 14 percent of respondents didn't have time to complete the survey.

No, I made up that last sentence. The remaining 14 percent reported low stress levels (Where do they work?) What would cause almost half of the employee population to be on the verge of losing it at work? Forty-one percent of employees cited their "workload." Most jobs today expect employees to do more work with less. Less time and fewer resources equal greater demands and increased pressures to perform, with the amount of streamlining, consolidation and cutbacks that have taken place in most organizations, the number of people who are physically present at work is also down, so the portion of work per employee has increased.

Thirty-one percent of employees cited "people issues." This can include a wide range of problems from difficult people to work with to demanding co-workers or customers. Greater work pressures cause more robs in dealing with others, so that something relatively minor can more easily set off a co worker, customer or manager. Throw in someone in your work group that is negative or cynical and the situation escalates. Twenty-eight percent of employees cited "juggling work and personal life." Rather than relaxing and unwinding when they get off work, most employees face another slate of pressures when they get home. From managing their families, to shuttling their kids or worrying about finances, the home can add a major source of stress that affects one's job. Some employees even take their work frustrations out on their loved ones by constantly complaining about their job and bringing their work home. And with this level of stress, where are employees placing their work priorities? Sixty-two percent report accomplishing basic responsibilities as most...