In April, we asked our readers about their biggest triggers of workplace stress, and with nearly 2,100 votes, the results show a few interesting trends. According to the poll results, the number one trigger of workplace stress is “lack of/poor leadership” with 17% of the vote, followed by “long hours/increasing workloads” in second (15%), and “poor work-life balance” in third (11%).
The rest of the results were as follows:
- Poor working environment/company culture (10%)
- Inadequate pay/benefits (9%)
- Concerns about job security (9%)
- Lack of opportunities for advancement (8%)
- Poor relationships with co-workers (7%)
- Inadequate job training (6%)
- Work is uninteresting or not your chosen career (3%)
Nearly 4% of respondents chose the “other” option and cited additional triggers of workplace stress, including:
- An environment of favoritism
- Excessive micromanagement
- Co-worker absenteeism
- Government regulations and mandates
Effective Leadership is the Key to Success
Leadership development is an important part of building and maintaining a successful business. So, the fact that poor leadership is the number one trigger of workplace stress is a concerning issue. If you’re plagued by leadership issues, these articles may help shine some light on a few solutions and help guide your efforts.
- Succession Planning: How Strong Are Your Reserves?
- 5 Characteristics of Successful People and a Few Key Questions You Should Ask Yourself
- Don’t Let These 4 Myths Block Your Path to Leadership
- Are You a Leader or a Boss?
- 10 Leadership Tips for New Managers
You can also check out this video series by workforce performance and communication expert Amanda Gore for even more insight.
- A Leader’s Job
- Changing Behaviors
- Helping Your People Be Their Best
- Helping Your People Believe in Themselves
What are some of the ways you’ve addressed the workplace stress triggers above? What are some of the leadership development programs you have in place? Let us know in the comments section below.
Refresh Leadership is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.
Very interesting results. The top cause of stress was not money related, but was people driven. Yes, leadership. I have always felt that the culture of an organization determines the level of stress, and that the leadership determines the culture. So, I guess my supposition has been confirmed. Much food for thought.