Women report feeling higher levels of stress than a year ago, with more than half saying they intend to quit their jobs within the next two years. Deloitte Global surveyed 5,000 women and found that the majority are feeling the pressure from working.
According to the survey, burnout was the biggest motivating factor for women currently looking for new employment. Compared to one year ago, women are feeling more stressed, with rates being worse for ethnic minority groups and those in middle-management and part-time roles.
Overall, one in three women said they had taken time off work due to mental health reasons. And almost half of women in the survey rated their mental health as being ‘poor/very poor.’ As a result, many women plan to quit their jobs in the near future.
Why are Women Feeling Stressed at Work?
Women, particularly those between the ages of 35 and 54, are more likely to juggle many roles, such as motherhood, career and homemaker. According to the latest Health and Safety Executive (HSE) statistics, women are the hardest hit when it comes to work-related stress. They feel that there are too many demands placed on them, causing them to feel burnt out.
Burnout can manifest into physical, emotional and psychological symptoms, which can lead to stress, anxiety and depression. Some of the most common stress symptoms in women include trouble sleeping, weight loss/gain, digestive issues and mood swings.
Here are some reasons why women are more likely to suffer workplace stress:
- Heavy workloads. It can be difficult to balance work and family life. When women are given workloads they can’t handle, it leads to stress and anxiety.
- Workplace climate. Workplace climate and gender exclusion are major causes of stress at work, especially in male-dominated jobs.
- Pay gap. Women earn 82 cents for every dollar a man earns. This can also cause stress for women, particularly if they are breadwinners.
- Poor work environment. Some women report working under unhealthy conditions where things like harassment, verbal abuse and negative social interactions occur.
Tips for Managing Stress at Work
For women who have to work, quitting their job isn’t the answer. They either need to make the best of their situation, or change to a new job, which could have the same stressors. The solution is to know how to manage stress at work, as well as recognize the need for anxiety treatment in Princeton NJ.
Below are tips for managing work-related stress:
- Start your day off right. Eat a healthy breakfast, think positive thoughts and leave yourself enough time to get to work without rushing.
- Know your requirements. If you’re doing too much, talk with your supervisor. It’s important that you’re held to realistic expectations.
- Avoid conflict. Stay away from conflict as much as you can. Interpersonal conflict takes a huge toll on your mental and physical health.
- Stay organized. Being organized means less rushing around, greater efficiency and a better use of your time.
- Walk at lunch. During your lunch break, get outdoors and take a walk. The fresh air will lift your mood, blow off steam and give you a fresh perception.
- Create a work-life balance. Don’t let work trickle into your personal time. Make a commitment to log off outside of work hours and be present with your family.
For Working Professionals: Mental Health Therapy in Princeton NJ
If the above tips don’t work, you may need more to get you through this period. CTRLCare Behavioral Health offers convenient outpatient and telehealth services. These treatment services address mental health, technology wellness and more. Contact us today to learn more about our mental health therapy in New Jersey.
