Frontline workers experience high stress levels, but are less likely to report
The study found that frontline employees were 2.3 times more likely to report physical strain from their positions than non-frontline workers.
Frontline workers with public-facing roles, such as manufacturing, hospitality and health care often feel the negative impacts of work on their mental health. These types of roles are typically high stress, involve regular customer interaction, irregular schedules and little paid time off.
A new study by meQuilibrium found that the rates of anxiety and depression among frontline workers are 33% and 61% higher, respectively. When facing high levels of stress, frontline workers are 30% less likely to seek professional assistance than their non-frontline counterparts.
The study found that frontline employees were 2.3 times more likely to report physical strain from their positions than non-frontline workers. Yet despite the physical and mental demand of their roles, frontline workers tend to underutilize workplace benefits, such as employee assistance programs, digital tools and medical plan offerings, according to the study.
In fact, many frontline workers struggle to admit their high stress levels or even access help. The study found that frontline workers are 64% more likely to say they don’t have any issues with stress than non-frontline workers. When facing stress, they are 30% less likely to seek out professional assistance and half as likely to go to organizational leaders or management.
According to the study, awareness of employer-provided benefits related to mental health was 22% lower among frontline workers than non-frontline staff. This gap is especially prominent among younger employees. The study found that only 43% of frontline, Gen Z workers are aware of relevant mental health benefits, compared to 73% of non-frontline, Gen Z workers.
Related: Report finds many millennial frontline workers living paycheck to paycheck
The mismatch between more demanding roles and a lower acknowledgement of stress and help-seeking behaviors calls for solutions. The study recommends that employers address these concerns through increased word-of-mouth, physical touch points such as TV monitors in break rooms and media outreach. Additionally, the study recommends that employers try to utilize simple messaging as well as realistic and relatable imagery.