Close to one worker out of two experiences stress in the workplace - Findings of a CROP-ORHRI survey

MONTREAL - According to a CROP survey conducted for the Ordre des CRHA et CRIA du Québec (ORHRI), close to one worker out of two (49%) is very (14%) or fairly (35%) stressed at work.

Interestingly, the survey also shows that women experience more stress than men. In fact, 53% of the women surveyed reported feeling stressed at work, compared to 44% of the men.

"These findings give some cause for concern, particularly among women. They probably have to deal with higher levels of stress because they also have numerous family responsibilities. It's sometimes hard for workers to draw the line between their personal and professional lives. That's why it's important to introduce more measures to help achieve a better balance between work and personal life," explained Florent Francoeur, CHRP, president and CEO of the Order.

Stress in the workplace, a growing trend

The CROP-ORHRI survey shows not only that stress in the workplace is no longer an isolated trend, but also that it is growing. Some 51% of Quebec workers believe that stress levels are increasing in their workplace, versus 42% who think they have remained stable and 5% who think they're decreasing.

In addition, over one-third of respondents (35%) reported that over the last year they very (11%) or fairly often (24%) had trouble leaving their work behind when they got home.

"These figures show that the current economic environment is intensifying pressure in organizations and that employees are feeling the impact. Yet stress management is a shared responsibility. On the one hand, employers need to implement sound HR practices to help their employees handle stress. On the other, employees need to adopt a healthy lifestyle that will enable them to more effectively manage their stress, time and priorities," added Francoeur.