Personal finances, job security and AI are all stressing Americans out – so what can we do about it?
What’s stressing America? According to a new report, the top reasons for worker angst include job security and the economy, jobs being taken by AI, and money – or the lack thereof.
The survey suggests two in three of us are more stressed out than last year, with one quarter recording stress levels as “much higher”.
Almost one third cite personal finances (29 percent) as a top source of stress, followed by the economy (22 percent) and politics (17 percent).
One in four (25 percent) are at least “somewhat worried” that AI will take their job. For one in 50, that fear has already come true.
Stress responses
Whatever the cause, workplace stress is not to be taken lightly. According to the OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration), it causes 120,000 U.S. deaths a year.
While stress is something workers across all industries deal with, some jobs are more prone than others.
Research undertaken in 2021 found those in customer service, sales or entertainment were more likely than those in administration, management or desk jobs to have experienced physical fatigue, cognitive weariness and emotional exhaustion at work.
That may have been impacted by the pandemic but in all industries lower-level employees were more likely to experience the negative impacts of work-related stress, with over 30 percent feeling fed up with work frequently, or more often, in the previous 30 days.
Though incidences of stress are greater among women, men may be at greater health risk from its consequences.
Research cited by the American Heart Foundation found that men exposed to stressful working conditions, who felt they were putting in high efforts but receiving low rewards, had twice the risk of heart disease compared to men free from such psycho-social pressures.
The results on women’s heart health were inconclusive, but such work conditions are hardly conducive to anyone’s sense of wellbeing. Even if you’re not about to have a heart attack, feeling nervous or having trouble sleeping and eating – all normal reactions to stress – is simply not nice.
So what can you do about it? Lots, as it happens.
Look after yourself
Firstly, as recommended by the CDC (and likely your mom), avoid alcohol and drugs. They may make you feel better initially but can also give rise to other issues and end up adding to your stress.
Instead, the best kind of stress busting comes from taking care of yourself, including through sleep, exercise and healthy eating, taking time to unwind and doing activities you enjoy.
Don’t suffer in silence. Whether with a friend, family member, doctor, therapist or pastor, a worry shared is a weight lifted.
Seek help at work
If your organization has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), take advantage of it. These are designed to address individual, team, and organizational problems and provide counselling and support services for all sorts of work-related issues, including stress management.
Upskill
Move up the value chain at work by getting some new skills. MOOCS (massive open online courses) are available from a number of providers, including Coursera, Udemy and EdX, and many of these are free. Simply taking action to advance your skills, career and pay can help you feel more in control.
Negotiate better terms
Today’s tight labor market gives you a better chance of negotiating a pay rise. If that doesn’t fly, look for better terms and conditions. More time off or greater flexibility can all support a better work-life balance and might just do the trick.
Switch Jobs
If all that doesn’t help, leave. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, employers are facing unprecedented challenges trying to find enough workers to fill open jobs. The latest data suggests there are 9.5 million job openings in the U.S., but only 6.5 million unemployed workers.
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