Workplace stress is an unavoidable reality for many professionals. Each year, CareerCast evaluates job stress based on 11 key factors, including physical demands, tight deadlines, and life-threatening risks. In 2017, we took our research a step further by surveying over 1,000 workers to understand how they personally experience stress on the job.
The results confirm what many already suspect—stress is a major issue in today’s workplace.
How Stressed Are Workers?
A staggering 82% of survey respondents reported experiencing significant job-related stress. Participants ranked their stress levels on a scale from 0 (no stress) to 10 (constant stress).
- 24.6% of respondents rated their stress level at 8
- 23.2% scored their stress at 7
These findings indicate that workplace stress is not just an occasional challenge but a persistent part of daily work life for many professionals.
What’s Causing Workplace Stress?
When asked about the primary source of their stress, the overwhelming majority—over 30%—pointed to deadlines as the biggest culprit. The second most common stress factor, cited by 17% of respondents, was responsibility for another person’s life—a factor particularly prevalent in healthcare and emergency response professions.
Healthcare professionals made up 36% of survey respondents, reflecting the intense pressures of the medical field. Among the 371 healthcare workers surveyed:
- 101 rated their job stress level at 8
- 35 gave it a 9
- 45 reported a stress level of 10
Other industries represented in the survey included:
- Media/Entertainment (14.5%)
- Business (9.7%)
- Education (8.7%)
Are Workers Ready to Leave Their Jobs Over Stress?
One of the most striking findings from the survey is that 59% of respondents said they would leave their profession if they could.
However, many workers face significant barriers to switching careers. Among survey participants:
- 58% had earned at least a bachelor’s degree
- 25% held a master’s degree
- 5% had a doctorate
For these professionals, leaving a stressful career often means starting over—a daunting prospect after years of education and training.
The Cost of Workplace Stress
Stress doesn’t just impact employees—it takes a financial toll on businesses and the economy. According to McGraw-Hill Education Publishing, sickness-related absences cost the U.S. economy $227 billion annually. However, many of these absences aren’t due to illness alone.
A study by Integra found that 12% of employees called in sick because of job-related stress.
With 84% of survey respondents working full-time and the average full-time employee logging 47 hours per week, workplace stress affects nearly every aspect of their lives. Considering the average American sleeps 49 hours per week, that means nearly 40% of their waking hours are spent under work-related pressure.
Managing Workplace Stress
So, what can be done? Human Resources expert Tiffani Murray suggests that the first step is acknowledging the stress rather than ignoring it.
“If the issue is work-related, try to figure out ways to remedy the problem,” she advises.
For those struggling with high-pressure projects, she recommends:
- Asking for additional resources or support
- Negotiating more flexible deadlines
- Exploring Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), which offer free counseling and support services
Final Thoughts
If you’re feeling stressed at work, you’re not alone. The CareerCast survey shows that workplace stress affects the vast majority of workers, across multiple industries and career levels.
Recognizing the sources of stress and taking proactive steps to address them—whether through workplace accommodations, professional support, or career adjustments—can make a significant difference. While stress may never fully disappear from the workplace, finding ways to manage it effectively is essential for both personal well-being and long-term career satisfaction.
