The Biggest Stressors at Work Can Make Your Productivity Plummet. How Many Are Holding You Back? American workers are feeling the pressure — and it comes at a major price.
By Amanda Breen Edited by Jessica Thomas
Key Takeaways
- Seventy-seven percent of American workers reported experiencing work-related stress.
- Workplace anxiety can hinder motivation and productivity.
- New research reveals the most common stressors at work.
If your job is stressing you out, you're not alone — a lot of people are feeling the pressure at work.
In the American Psychological Association's 2023 Work in America survey, 77% of U.S. employees reported experiencing work-related stress in the last month, and 20% said it lowered their productivity.
Related: Struggling With Productivity? You Just Need to Give Yourself Fewer Options.
Employee disengagement translates to $8.8 trillion in lost productivity globally, equal to 9% of the world's GDP, according to Gallup's 2024 State of the Global Workplace report.
What's behind so much anxiety and burnout in the workplace?
Career experts at Resume.io recently asked 3,000 Americans about the challenges that stress them out at work to find out.
Related: Do You Work for a Toxic Company? Here Are 4 Not-So-Obvious Signs to Watch Out For.
It turns out that the top work worry among U.S. employees is negotiating a salary or a raise, per the research. Many people aren't comfortable discussing money, and the fear of tension or awkwardness with a boss might keep them from bringing up the subject at the office.
Meeting tight deadlines, giving presentations, worrying about job security and adjusting to a new role round out American workers' biggest concerns, according to the survey.
Related: 6 Founders Share the Goal-Setting Traps That Sabotaged Their Success (and What They Focus on Now)
Read on for the full list of the most significant stressors at work, according to Resume.io — and see how many could hold you back from reaching your professional goals.
1. Negotiating a salary or raise
2. Meeting tight deadlines
3. Giving presentations
4. Worry about job security
5. Adjusting to a new role or learning new skills
6. Managing relationships with senior leadership
7. Navigating office politics
8. Receiving critical feedback
9. Asking for flexible work arrangements
