The International Stress Awareness Week is from November 3 to 7 this year, with World Stress Awareness Day on November 5. The theme for the year 2025 is Optimizing Employee Wellbeing through Strategic Stress Management.
World Health Organization defines Workplace stress as "the response people may have when presented with work demands and pressures that are not matched to their knowledge and abilities and which challenge their ability to cope." 1
Recent mental health data shows that workplace stress is taking a heavy toll across major global economies, with six out of every ten employees reporting rising stress levels on the job, according to a 2024 global stress survey (Spill, 2024). In fact, stress experienced by workers on a daily basis has reached its highest point yet, ticking up from 43% in 2020 to 44% in 2021.
A striking 79% of individuals say their stress comes primarily from work, and on average, employees feel tense or overwhelmed for about one-third of their workday. 2
“79% of employees say work is their top source of stress” – Spill, 2024
Heavy workload and constant deadlines
Employees feel overwhelmed when the volume of tasks and time pressure keep stacking up without relief.
Uncomfortable or poorly designed work environments
Noise, inadequate lighting, lack of space and physically draining conditions all contribute to rising stress levels.
Fear of job loss and organizational changes
Uncertainty about roles, layoffs or restructuring makes employees anxious and affects mental wellbeing.
Little or no control over job tasks
Stress increases when workers have limited autonomy and feel unable to influence decisions related to their jobs.
Weak managerial support and communication
Lack of clear guidance, appreciation or recognition from leadership often leaves employees feeling undervalued and stressed.
Confusing work expectations or shifting responsibilities
Stress builds when employees are unsure about what is expected of them or face conflicting priorities. 3
The study “The Impact of Stress on Body Function” explains that stress triggers a powerful chain reaction in the body. When we feel stressed, the brain releases hormones that interfere with our memory, knowledge and emotional stability.
These stress hormones also weaken the immune system, leaving us more exposed to illness. Our heart works harder too, and increases the risk of long-term cardiovascular problems.
Stress also disturbs digestion by changing appetite, slowing down gut function and triggering inflammation. 4
When stress lasts a long time, it can hurt performance at work. Short-term stress activates the body's fight-or-flight response, releasing adrenaline and cortisol. This makes us more alert for a brief period but can hurt our ability to think clearly when stress continues. Higher levels of cortisol can weaken our immune system, disrupt digestion, hurt memory and focus, and put extra strain on our hearts. All of this can lower productivity and increase sick days. 8
Research shows that these changes in hormones and the immune system lead to lower thinking skills and higher health risks. This is important for the workplace: an employee dealing with chronic stress might complete a one-time task well due to short-term arousal but will likely make more mistakes, take longer to recover, and take more sick leave in the long run. This leads to presenteeism (being at work but not performing well) and absenteeism (taking time off), both of which hurt company productivity and increase costs. Chronic stress is now a recognised productivity risk factor worldwide. 5,8
In India, a landmark study by The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) found that 43 % of private-sector employees displayed signs of general anxiety disorder or depression. Experts say that stress in Indian workplaces comes from heavy workloads, long hours, job insecurity, and unclear work-life boundaries. These issues often get overlooked in global studies, but they are important for creating effective local strategies to support employee wellbeing. 6
MedBound Times spoke with Psychologist Anveeksha (MA Applied Psychology) to ask whether society considers it normal to feel constantly stressed at work. Anveeksha said:
"We live in such a fast-paced, competitive world where stress is a fact of everyday life. With the growth of humankind, stress has quietly emerged as one of the most prevalent health issues, which at the same time is one of the least addressed ones in society that celebrates constant hustle."
She also explained that stress in itself is not an issue. Stress actually is an important part of our functioning and survival. It prepares our body to respond to demands and challenges, and even motivates us to work. However it is when stress surpasses the level of control that is when it gets serious.
"It becomes an issue when this stress becomes panic and especially when we stop giving ourselves the time and space to deal with it in a healthy manner with rest and recalibration." she said.
Anveeksha explains that the effects of stress in everyday life can be managed by using simple, research-backed techniques like deep-breathing, grounding exercises, mindfulness, and maintaining sleep hygiene.
Start with what matters most
Handle urgent or high-impact tasks first. If a task feels especially daunting or unpleasant, get it done early so the rest of your day feels lighter.
Break big tasks into bite-sized steps
Large projects become less overwhelming when you focus on one small action at a time instead of taking on everything at once.
Share the load
You don’t have to micromanage or do everything yourself. Delegating tasks not only boosts team efficiency but also reduces unnecessary pressure on you.
Find a middle ground
Flexibility goes a long way. Working out a compromise with colleagues or supervisors can ease stress and create a more supportive work dynamic for everyone. 5
Anveeksha advises that, It is also important to keep in mind that stress management is about developing emotional awareness as well as establishing clear boundaries. It is okay to ask for help if things become difficult to manage.
Looking ahead, two factors are expected to shape workplace stress: rapid AI adoption and evolving hybrid work structures. Both bring benefits and new pressures. While AI tools can streamline work, they also introduce job security anxiety and overload. Hybrid models blur the line between personal and professional recovery. Organisations that balance technological innovation with human-centred design will best convert future pressures into productivity gains. 7
What causes most workplace stress today?
Major triggers include heavy workload, job insecurity, and lack of managerial support.
Can stress ever be good for performance?
Yes, moderate stress can sharpen focus and motivation, but chronic stress reduces productivity and raises health risk; the goal is to manage stress so it is motivating, not debilitating.
How can organizations reduce workplace stress?
By fostering open communication, offering flexible work options, and promoting mental wellbeing programs.
References:
1. Maulik, Pallab K. “Workplace Stress: A Neglected Aspect of Mental Health Wellbeing.” Indian Journal of Medical Research 146, no. 4 (October 2017): 441-44. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5819024/. PMCID: PMC5819024.
2. Spill Team. “70 Workplace Stress Statistics You Need to Know in 2024.” Spill, February 8, 2024. https://www.spill.chat/mental-health-statistics/workplace-stress-statistics.
3. Bhui, K., Dinos, S., Galant-Miecznikowska, M., de Jongh, B., & Stansfeld, S. “Perceptions of Work Stress Causes and Effective Interventions in Employees Working in Public, Private and Non-Governmental Organisations: A Qualitative Study.” BJPsych Bulletin 40, no. 6 (2016): 318-325. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5353523/
4. Yaribeygi, Habib, Yunes Panahi, Hedayat Sahraei, Thomas P. Johnston, and Amirhossein Sahebkar. “The Impact of Stress on Body Function: A Review.” EXCLI Journal 16 (2017): 1057-72. https://doi.org/10.17179/excli2017-480.
5. Segal, Jeanne, Melinda Smith, M.A., and Lawrence Robinson. “Stress at Work.” HelpGuide.org. January 16, 2025. Accessed November 4, 2025. https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/stress/stress-in-the-workplace.
6. Pandya, Apurvakumar; Niharika Khanal; and Mudita Upadhyaya. “Workplace Mental Health Interventions in India: A Rapid Systematic Scoping Review.” Frontiers in Public Health 10 (2022): 800880. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.800880.
7. Contreras, Briana. “Workplace Stress, Conflict and Performance Pressure Are Rising in 2025.” Managed Healthcare Executive, April 22, 2025. https://www.managedhealthcareexecutive.com/view/workplace-stress-conflict-and-performance-pressure-are-rising-in-2025
8. Yaribeygi, Habib, Yunes Panahi, Hedayat Sahraei, Thomas P. Johnston, and Amirhossein Sahebkar. “The Impact of Stress on Body Function: A Review.” EXCLI Journal 16 (2017): 1057-1072. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5579396/
Edited by M Subha Maheswari