Work stress affecting people’s weight, marriages and more, survey shows

Santa Monica, CA — More than 3 out of 4 workers say job-related stress has negatively affected their health, results of a recent survey show.

On behalf of mental health care company Headspace, researchers in January and February surveyed more than 2,000 CEOs, workers and human resources leaders in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Among the workers, 77% reported that job-related stress has contributed to negative physical health effects, including weight gain. Around 71% said they’ve experienced a divorce, breakup or other personal issue because of workplace stress.

Other findings:

• Nearly 40% of the workers indicated that stress has adversely affected their ability to care for their children’s or family’s mental health.
• Approximately 37% said stress has contributed to problems such as substance misuse or suicidal ideation.

Headspace says employers can help workers feel less stressed by:

• Encouraging them to set healthy boundaries between work and personal life.
• Making time in work schedules to support creation of those boundaries.
• Creating opportunities for flexibility in and outside of work.
• Offering comprehensive mental health benefits.

“Ninety-seven percent of the employees we surveyed reported feeling better after using company-provided mental health benefits,” Karan Singh, chief operating officer and chief people officer at Headspace, said in a press release. “With access to compassionate, outcome-driven care, employers can see and measure the difference in employee well-being.”