I published this post originally on 4 June. I had attached a video showing an office worker turning violent and attacking co-workers under extreme work stress. I received feedback that the source of this video is questionable.
I’d like to ensure that all the information I provide in this blog is accurate to the best of my knowledge. Therefore, I have revised this post with recent statistics on work stress from a survey by the American Psychological Association.
I find these statistics even more startling in that they are compiled from a much bigger sample, and hence more representative of the population. Work stress is indeed a serious issue and the World Health Organization has labeled it a “worldwide epidemic” since 1996.
Here it is. Take 2.
——————————
Being a financial analyst must be one of the most stressful professions. The long hours, the rapid pace and the cyclical nature of the industry are just some causes to name a few. Yet, many financial analysts are not taking active precaution to alleviate the stress.
In my recent post, Stress Level Critical For Financial Professionals, I presented the results of a March survey by hereisthecity.com indicating that over 50% of the respondents were not doing anything or didn’t feel they could do anything about it.
From my experience, I think that many financial analysts either underestimate or don’t understand the potential explosive force when there is no outlet for the intense stress buildup over time. Some common responses I would get when I mention “stress relief” is “I’m too busy”, “I don’t care” or “It won’t happen to me.”
The American Psychological Association conducted a survey on Stress in America following the housing crisis in late 2007. Here are some of its findings:
Stress profile of Americans in 2007
48% of Americans are living with extreme stress
75% cited money and work as the leading causes of stress (from 59% in 2006)
51% cited the housing crisis as a source of stress in 2007
31% have difficulty managing work and family responsibilities
35% cited jobs interfering with their family or personal time
54% attributed stress as a cause of fight with people close to them
25% reported alienation from a friend or family member due to stress
8% connected stress to divorce or separation
Stress Affecting Health
In the month before the survey:
77% reported experiencing stress related physical symptoms
73% reported experiencing stress related psychological symptoms
Physical symptoms of stress experienced by the respondents include:
51% fatigue
44% headache
34% upset stomach
30% muscle tension
23% appetite changes
17% teeth grinding
15% sex drive changes
13% dizziness
Psychological symptoms of stress experienced by the respondents include:
50% irritability or anger
45% nervousness
45% lack of energy
35% feeling like you could cry
48% lying awake at night due to stress
Unhealthy behaviors used to manage stress include:
43% overeat or eat unhealthy foods
36% skipped a meal in the last month
The survey also indicated that while many Americans recognize the negative impacts of stress on their health, only 35% are motivated to make the lifestyle and behavior changes.
Do you share many of these stress symptoms? Stress relief doesn’t have to be complicated or difficult. Here are some simple and effective ways that you can do to relief work stress:
• Exercise: it’s one of the best ways to release cooped up energy and frustration
• Relaxation: adequate rest, warm bath, a walk in the park, listening to soothing music, mindfulness practice
• Fun time: get together with family and friends, take a vacation
Take this Stress Symptom Quiz to find out where you score. The work of financial analysts is stressful and the financial industry has taken a big hit from the housing crisis. The good news is that effective stress relief can be simple and readily available. If you have trouble coping with stress, seek professional help before the buildup reaches a critical level.
——————–
Related articles:
Stress At Work Is Skyrocketing
——————–
Excellent post. Very important and having recently moved on from a very stressful job, I can’t outline how much i agree.
Especially with the exercise bit.
James