Job fears cause stress-related ailments in Indian employees

Job uncertainty has increased pressure on Indian employees with 71 per cent saying they are experiencing more stress-related illness ever since the economic downturn, according to a survey by Regus.

The study said stress-related illness can worsen or cause a whole series of health conditions ranging from obesity to heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, depression, gastrointestinal problems and asthma.

The global workplace provider, Regus, said 24 per cent of Indian respondents stated they are worried about losing their jobs and feel less confident about the sector they are working in.

The study, which covered the opinions of 20,000 senior executives and business owners across 95 countries, including India, found that over one-third (34 per cent) of Indian employees are actually losing sleep worrying about their jobs.

It also said about ‘71 per cent Indian employees are facing more stress-related diseases’ since the economic slowdown, leading to joblessness in the market.

In India, stress is causing an increase in absenteeism (56 per cent) damaging business productivity as well as worker well-being, the survey said.

It added employees also identified flexible working conditions as an option for easing work-related stress.

"Workers are expected to do more with less, and this has taken its toll to the point many are close to burn-out.

“It is not surprising that work-related worries and the sleepless nights they cause, are taking their toll on employees' personal lives," Regus India Chief Operating Officer Sahil Verma said.

"More importantly still, their health is at stake as stress is a known catalyst for a number of serious illnesses.

Proactive businesses that address stress in their workforce are likely to end up with a healthier workforce and reduced absenteeism," he added.

Globally, 48 per cent of respondents felt their stress levels had risen in the past year.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh/Rediff