The perceived need to play office politics to get ahead is – not surprisingly – causing work-related stress, and employees are coping in a variety of healthy and unhealthy ways, according to a survey of more than 1,000 office employees by Bridge by Instructure Inc.
Unspoken pressure is the main culprit: 78 percent of respondents believe working more hours is at least moderately important in getting promoted, and over half of employees believe engaging in workplace politics is the key. In fact, 43 percent say that acting interested in the "boss's dumb story" is at least moderately important.
Unwritten policies are another factor causing employee burnout. Only one-third of respondents are encouraged by their employer to take paid time off, and only 11 percent are encouraged to take mental health days as a way to use sick time.
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This type of culture can decrease workforce productivity and significantly impact profitability, says Matt Bingham, Bridge's vice president of product. Indeed, the survey found that on average, employees spend up to 77 minutes per day watching non-work-related TV or online videos while at work.
Many also engage in unhealthy coping behaviors on and off the job. According to the survey, the most popular substance employees use to deal with stress is caffeine (34 percent), followed by sugar, alcohol, anti-anxiety medications and sleeping pills.
However, a fair number of respondents are using healthier coping mechanisms to handle work anxiety. The survey found many turn to yoga, exercise or meditation (30 percent) to alleviate workplace stress. Others deliberately disconnect; 44 percent leave their computers off or at work to give them peace during off-duty hours, while 21 percent leave their work devices in other rooms at home.
"The Bridge study underscores an opportunity for employers to promote greater work-life balance and establish a more frequent feedback loop with employees that helps them attain their career aspirations," Bingham says. "Implementing these processes could help curb pervasive stress and burnout."
To reduce workers stress and gain greater job satisfaction, The Salt Lake City provider of talent management software recommends that employees be proactive and communicate with managers about their needs and career goals.
Other healthy behaviors to enhance wellbeing include getting plenty of sleep before work; standing more while working; exercising and moving more on the job; and picking a time each day to switch off the phone, put away the laptop and uncouple from the stress of the day. Workers should also take utilize their paid time-off and sick days.
"Employees often feel pressured to avoid vacation time and never call in sick, but work absences boost productivity and engagement when employees return," Bingham says. "Smart employers are recognizing the need to get away sometimes."
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Katie Kuehner-Hebert
Katie Kuehner-Hebert is a freelance writer based in Running Springs, Calif. She has more than three decades of journalism experience, with particular expertise in employee benefits and other human resource topics.
