Strain at Work: An Australian Perspective
The Ipsos Global Trends 2024 report reveals a significant prevalence of strain amongst employees worldwide. Globally, 46% of employees reported feeling under constant strain at work in the past six months and Australia, 40% of employees reported experiencing constant strain.
Key factors contributing to strain include concerns about the impact of AI on job security, perceptions of life’s increasing complexity, and a desire for improved mental wellbeing. Globally Leaders and younger employees are particularly susceptible to experiencing strain. These findings underscore the need for organisations to address both workplace and broader societal factors to effectively mitigate strain and support employee wellbeing.
Key Findings
- Strain Prevalence: 40% of Australian employees reported feeling under constant strain at work in the past six months, slightly below the global average of 46%.
- Age Discrepancy: Contrary to global trends where younger employees report higher strain levels, Australian employees aged 35-49 experience the highest levels of strain (45%), followed by those under 35 (42%). Those aged 50-74 report notably lower strain (31%).
- Seniority Paradox: Unlike the global trend of leaders experiencing more strain, non-executive/decision-maker/leader roles in Australia report greater strain (41%) than their senior executive counterparts (38%). Mental Wellbeing
- Focus: A significant 75% of Australian respondents report a need to prioritise their mental health, an area reported as a key driver of strain and an opportunity for employers to enhance mental wellbeing support.
Key Insights for Australian Businesses
- Acknowledge the Wider Context: Recognise that employee strain is influenced by factors beyond the workplace, including societal anxieties about technology, the cost of living crisis and job security, along with the ever increasing complexities of modern life.
- Prioritise Mental Wellbeing: Given the high proportion of Australian employees expressing a need to focus on mental health, organisations should prioritises mental wellbeing support and access to resources. It is also important to consider organisational structural or systemic issues that lead to high job demands and low job and work resources.
- Address Concerns about AI: Openly communicate about the role of AI in the workplace and address employee concerns about its potential impact on job security. Provide training and support to facilitate effective AI adoption and demonstrate its potential to enhance, not replace, human work. Promote transparency in how AI is being used and its intended benefits for employees. Tailor Interventions: The Australian context differs from global trends in some key areas. Develop strain-reduction strategies tailored to the specific needs and concerns of the Australian workforce, focusing on the demographic groups most affected.
This report provides valuable insights into the complex issue of employee strain. By understanding the factors contributing to strain and their varying impact across demographics, businesses can develop targeted interventions to create a healthier and more productive work environment. Download the full report to delve deeper into these findings and discover actionable strategies to address strain within your organisation.