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Survey: 42% Of Employees Have Changed Jobs Due To Stress

This article is more than 9 years old.

"I can't take this another second--I quit!"

We've all threatened it, but a new survey shows that a significant number of employees have actually made good on their declarations.  A survey conducted by employment search site Monster.com of nearly 7,000 U.S. workers found that while a less-than-surprising 35% had contemplated leaving a job to flee a stressful work environment, a more significant number--42%--had "purposely" left a position because of such a workplace.

"People feel stressed out because there’s that continuing pressure to do more with less. Workers feel pressure to get more accomplished," says Mary Ellen Slayter, Career Advice Expert at Monster. "People know they’re not happy, but they’re not clear on whether or not it would be better somewhere else. "

A separate survey of more than 900 workers found that an employee's relationship with their boss is the most common cause of workplace stress, followed closely by workload, work-life balance, and relationships with coworkers.

Nearly half of employees surveyed report having missed time at work due to work-related stress, and an even greater number, 61%, say that workplace stress has caused them actual physical illness, with insomnia, depression, and family issues cited as results.

Seven percent of employees report having been hospitalized as the result of work-related stress.

The study does not differentiate between different types of workplace stressors, for example, an accountant's increased workload during tax season versus an overbearing supervisor, focusing instead on the results of stress as observed by employees.

How do workers cope with these situations? About how you might imagine. Most report talking to a friend or loved one after work, many turn to exercise to blow off steam, and roughly a third of those surveyed highlight taking a short break, taking a day off, or eating to relieve stress. Winning points for honesty, a solid quarter of those surveyed report drinking.

But while employees seem certain of the tangible manifestations of workplace stress in their lives, those surveyed seem less convinced of their employers' awareness of--or concern over--the issue. Asked "What does your office do to help alleviate stress in the workplace?", 13% noted additional time off and 11% cited the opportunity to work from home, but the majority, 66%, answered "nothing."

Slayter says those who find themselves regularly overwhelmed to a level that's unbearable might want to contemplate a job--or career--switch, to something that makes better use of their talents or involves fewer tasks that cause distress.

"Make sure that overall your career is a good fit," says Slater. "If you find yourself thinking that every day is stressful, if everyday is unpleasant, if it feels like that chronically, its time to sit down and ask yourself, 'Is this the right fit?'"

Follow me on Twitter @KathrynDill.