A recent report by Gallup reveals South African employees are suffering from extremely high stress levels, with 36% of the workforce experiencing excessive stress daily, and more than 71% either disengaged or actively disengaged in their professional roles.
But not only are employees reporting high levels of stress and workplace fatigue, they are also lonely.
“Globally, one in five employees experiences loneliness frequently. This percentage is higher for employees under 35 and lower for those over 35. Fully remote employees report significantly higher levels of loneliness (25%) than those who work fully on-site (16%),” according to the report.
And, in a ranking of 36 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, South Africans rank 26th for “daily sadness” (20%), with the list headed by Chad, Liberia and then Guinea, while a total of 56% of people in this country are watching for or actively seeking a new job.
Making the workplace a better space
Research indicates that although management is mainly responsible for creating a productive and mentally healthy workplace, employees also have opportunities to address and manage their stress.
Leaders who build strong and resilient cultures focus on a few things that set them apart from other organisations, according to the report.
“They put a high priority on manager hiring and development …. The best organisations hire managers with a talent for engaging their teams, and they train their managers into effective coaches who consistently deliver meaningful individual feedback that inspires better future performance.”
They emphasise well-being at work and in life, says the report, making their support for employee well-being “visible and consistent”.
They also go beyond physical health to include financial literacy and planning support, as well as events like webinars on mental health and encouraging community volunteerism.
“When organisations do these things, they simultaneously improve employees’ lives and organisational performance.”
Moloko Chepape, chief operations officer (COO) at The Independent Institute of Education’s Rosebank College, told News24: “Understanding the specific aspects of your job that contribute to feelings of hatred and burnout is crucial.
“Is it the workload, lack of autonomy, uninspiring tasks or a toxic workplace culture? Pinpointing the exact factors can help you determine the path forward, whether addressing these issues directly or contemplating a more dramatic change.”
Chepape also suggests seeking support by engaging in open conversations with supervisors or HR to discuss potential adjustments that could help reduce stress.
Developing coping strategies, like establishing clear boundaries between your professional and personal life, is key to managing stress effectively, he said.
“It is also critically important to prioritise self-care, like regular physical activity, sufficient sleep, and a nutritious diet, all of which are essential to prevent burnout.
See more from MedicalBrief archives:
Mental health illness toll on life expectancy – South African study
Pulmonary hypertension death risk high in South Africa – local study
Profmed Stress Index details the mental state of South Africa’s professionals