Concerns over war and terrorism drive workplace stress

A new survey from The Marlin Company shows that workplace stress is on the rise, spurred by concerns over war and terrorism.

Workplace communications firm The Marlin Company commissioned Harris Interactive to conduct the study, which is based on interviews with a random sample of 772 U.S. workers.  Of the respondents, 70% said they believe employees in their workplace are more stressed out today than they were a year ago.

When asked what causes the most stress, 29% of respondents cited war and terrorism. Another 28% said the economy was the culprit, 27% cited their job, and 10% blamed family pressures.

“War and terrorism weren’t even on most people’s radar screens a few years ago and now these concerns are at the top, causing significant amounts of stress. This fundamental shift is uncharted territory for American workers in modern history,” says Frank Kenna III, president of The Marlin Company.  “War and terrorism are an uncontrollable stress, unlike others.  We can help our families, we can adapt to the economy, and we can change jobs if we need to.  But we can’t, as individuals, change world events.”

The ill effects of workplace stress are exhibited many ways in the workplace, according to the survey. Close to half of respondents (42%) say errors have increased in the workplace as a result of stress. Another 35% say arguments among co-workers have escalated, 27% report that calling in sick occurs more often, and 26% each cite attendance problems and backstabbing as being on the rise.

For the complete results of the study, go to https://www.themarlincompany.com/poll/media.htm