Almost one in three employees in Germany feels exposed to various serious stresses at work at the same time

Work-Related Stress in Germany: A Widespread Issue

Close to a third of German workers report experiencing multiple stressors on the job, according to a survey conducted by the German Trade Union Confederation (DGB). Stressors include heavy workloads, tight deadlines, and conflicts with colleagues or customers. The survey, involving over 6,000 participants, found that 86% frequently or often feel pressure of time, while 56% encounter physical demands, and 73% experience noise at work.

The survey reveals that the more stressors an employee faces, the worse their health prognosis is. Only 39% of employees with multiple stress factors reported good health, while 71% of those without such factors declared good health. Less than 7% of those under multiple pressures believe they can continue working until retirement age.

Surprisingly, despite the high incidence of job stressors in Germany, only 38% of those surveyed had undergone a risk assessment of their position within the past two years. Legally, employers should carry out such assessments.

Multifaceted Causes and Consequences

The survey, detailed in the Landtag NRW document "E 18/1174", delves into the causes and effects of simultaneous job-related stressors. Causes encompass:

1. High work intensity and insufficient resources, especially in healthcare and business services.
2. Time pressure, with 90% of employees feeling hurried at work.
3. Inefficient work processes and overloads, which lead to unutilized productivity and rising absentee rates.
4. Lack of breaks and long working hours, contributing to poor mental health.
5. Blurred boundaries between work and private life, due to employers' expectations of constant availability.

Effects of work-related stress include:

1. Mental health consequences, such as burnout and depression.
2. Physical health issues, like heart problems.
3. Reduced productivity.
4. Increased sick leaves and absenteeism, with rising absenteeism rates among specific demographics.
5. Psychological factors and work environment, affected by reduced social contacts, multitasking, and digitalization, along with external pressures such as climate change and conflicts.

In conclusion, the study reveals a stark picture of multiple job stressors among German employees. Employers should be proactive in addressing these concerns and conducting regular risk assessments to ensure their employees' well-being.