Work is an important part of life. It provides income, structure, purpose and opportunities for personal growth. But when workplace demands become excessive, support is limited and job security is uncertain, work can also become a major source of stress.
Across the world, concerns about workplace stress and mental health are receiving increasing attention. The World Health Organization (WHO) says poor working environments including excessive workloads, discrimination, low control over work and job insecurity can pose risks to mental health.
The impact goes beyond how employees feel during the working day. It can affect their health, relationships, productivity and ability to remain in employment.
The Global Cost of Workplace Mental Health Problems
The WHO estimates that depression and anxiety lead to around 12 billion lost working days every year, costing the global economy approximately US$1 trillion annually in lost productivity.
These figures show that workplace mental health is not only an individual concern. It is also an issue for employers, healthcare systems and economies.
The WHO also reports that about 15% of working-age adults were estimated to have a mental disorder in 2019. This figure covers mental health conditions generally; it does not mean all those conditions were caused by work.
What Causes Stress in the Workplace?
Workplace stress can develop when job demands become difficult to manage, particularly when workers lack the resources, support or control needed to meet those demands.
1. Excessive Workload
Unrealistic deadlines, long working hours and too many responsibilities can leave workers with little time to recover.
When heavy workloads become routine, employees may struggle to maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life.
2. Lack of Job Security
Uncertainty about employment, income or future opportunities can create ongoing pressure.
Workers who fear losing their jobs may find it difficult to raise concerns about working conditions or ask for support.
3. Poor Management and Workplace Relationships
Unclear expectations, unfair treatment, bullying and a lack of support from supervisors can contribute to a stressful working environment.
A workplace where employees feel unable to speak openly may also make it harder to identify problems early.
4. Limited Control Over Work
Workers may experience pressure when they have little influence over their schedules, tasks or how they complete their responsibilities.
The WHO identifies low job control as one of the workplace factors that can put mental health at risk.
5. Difficult Working Conditions
Stress is not limited to office environments. Workers in healthcare, construction, agriculture, transport and other physically demanding sectors may face additional pressures, including unsafe conditions, long shifts and exposure to extreme heat.
A 2025 WHO and World Meteorological Organization report highlighted the health risks of workplace heat, particularly for people working outdoors and in physically demanding jobs.
How Workplace Stress Can Affect Health
Prolonged exposure to stressful working conditions can affect mental and physical well-being.
Work-related mental health risks may contribute to anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties and emotional exhaustion. Stress can also make it harder to concentrate and maintain healthy relationships.
The effects vary from person to person. Experiencing stress does not automatically mean someone has a mental health condition, and workplace stress should not be used as a diagnosis.
The WHO recognises that work can also support mental health when it provides fair conditions, security, positive relationships and a sense of purpose.
Why Employers Have a Role to Play
Workplace stress is often discussed as something employees must learn to manage. However, focusing only on individual coping methods can overlook the conditions creating the pressure.
The WHO recommends workplace approaches that address mental health risks, including changes to working conditions, manager training and support for employees experiencing mental health challenges.
The International Labour Organization’s 2026 report on the psychosocial working environment also highlights factors such as workload, role clarity, autonomy, working hours and fair workplace processes.
This means employers can play an important role by reviewing how work is organised, setting realistic expectations, preventing harassment and making support accessible.
What Can Workers Do?
Workers may not have control over every workplace condition, but there are practical steps that can help them respond to pressure:
- Speak with a trusted supervisor or appropriate workplace representative about unreasonable demands.
- Ask for clear priorities when several tasks compete for attention.
- Take available breaks and protect time away from work where possible.
- Maintain supportive relationships with friends, family or colleagues.
- Seek help from a qualified health professional if stress is affecting daily life.
These steps are not a substitute for employers addressing unsafe or unhealthy working conditions.
A Growing Global Workplace Health Issue
The discussion around workplace stress is becoming increasingly important as working arrangements and job demands change.
WHO estimates show the scale of the economic impact of depression and anxiety, while the ILO’s recent work highlights how job design and workplace management can affect workers’ health.
Addressing workplace stress requires more than telling employees to become more resilient. It also means creating working environments where people have reasonable demands, clear responsibilities, fair treatment and access to support.
A healthy workplace is not simply one where employees can complete their tasks. It is one where they can work without their health being placed at unnecessary risk.
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