The Russians shared their fatigue

The majority of Russians believe that they experience average or above average levels of stress at work. This was shown by a survey by Rabota.ru and SberZdorovye among 5,000 respondents, which Kommersant got acquainted with. The most “popular” stress factors that respondents mentioned were accumulated fatigue (36%), lack of resources needed for work (26%), and a large number of tasks (25%). The most effective way in the fight against stress, the Russians called walking in nature and staying in the fresh air. The experts with whom Kommersant spoke confirm that in recent years the psychological state of employees has noticeably worsened, and companies are increasingly resorting to the services of corporate psychologists.

Rabota.ru and SberHealth conducted a survey in February with 5,000 Russians from all regions about what makes them nervous at work and how they cope with stress. The majority of respondents rated the level of stress at work as average or slightly above average. So, 30% rate their work stress at four points, 29% – at three points (on a five-point scale). One in four indicated that stress factors are practically absent at a permanent job: 11% are sure that they do not experience stress at all, another 12% speak of rare stress.

Men were more likely than women to rate one point, which corresponds to the absence of any stress (13% of men versus 8% of women), and five points, which corresponds to constant stress (20% of men versus 17% of women). The majority of women admitted that they often experience stress, and rated their level of stress at work as four points (35% of women versus 24% of men).

The most “popular” stress factor among respondents is accumulated fatigue (36%), which was slightly outweighed by the lack of resources needed for work (26%) and a large number of tasks (25%).

According to 21% of respondents, gossip and conflicts also cause great stress, 19% indicate communication with superiors among serious negative factors, another 18% indicate a tough schedule and a long way to work. 15% believe that deep feelings can cause a lack of like-minded people at work and an uncomfortable workplace, 14% are sure that impossible goals and tasks make employees experience severe stress. Note that the respondents were asked to make a multiple choice.

Among the stress factors that make Russians less nervous during working hours were the lack of budget for projects, the lack of professional knowledge and health problems – 10% each, respectively. 8% indicated fear of layoffs, 7% – problems in the family and personal life, as well as poor relationships with colleagues. 3% believe that communication with subordinates can cause stress. 8% of the study participants were unshakable and confident that nothing should cause a lot of stress at work.

The most effective way to deal with stress, respondents called walking in nature and being in the fresh air. This option is chosen by 37% of respondents. 35% try to retire, 22% spend as much time as possible with family and children in order to avoid work stress, for 21% a strict sleep regimen turned out to be the most effective. 17% cope with stress by resorting to sports, and 12% help frequent meetings with friends. 3% attend psychological relief meetings. 15% admitted that they cannot cope with stress.

The psychologist of the SberHealth online medical service, Daria Yakuba, says that constant, repetitive stress at work leads to emotional and physical exhaustion, to extreme fatigue, which causes burnout syndrome among employees. “If burnout is not recognized in time, then the next step may be a depressive state. The insidiousness of burnout is that the only way to solve the problem for a person is to change jobs, ”says Ms. Yakuba.

Yuliya Krizhevich, managing partner at Magnum Hunt Executive Search, identifies three of the most common topics for employee complaints: the search for more confidence and stability, which is expressed in many ways – from questions about retention of the position and salary to questions about the company’s strategy; various conflict situations, complaints about the atmosphere in the team; search for comfort and maintaining work-life balance – requests for a free schedule, remote work opportunities. Company executives, according to her, to help colleagues, including inviting a psychologist for regular consultations.

According to HH.ru, companies have indeed begun to indicate the presence of a corporate psychologist or psychological assistance to employees in job descriptions more often. The growth of such vacancies in 2022 amounted to +101% year-on-year. And the number of vacancies for psychologists increased by 62.87% compared to last year.

“In recent years, the mental state of employees has noticeably deteriorated, which cannot but affect their efficiency and performance. In this regard, the work of a corporate psychologist is becoming increasingly important,” comments psychologist, co-founder of the online school of psychological professions “Psychodemia” Maria Danina. According to her, the study revealed the most frequent complaints that can be heard from employees in the psychologist’s office. These experiences, Ms. Danina notes, have economic reasons: “In recent years, many businesses are really going through difficult times, which entails cutting costs, including hiring. This often leads to overworking those who remain in their positions. In times of crisis, employers rely on increased endurance, stress resistance and dedication of the team, while in practice this may be contrary to the interests and goals of the employees themselves.” Maria Danina says that another problem often cited by employees is the constant background fear of being fired and lack of financial security. She also emphasizes that the ways the survey named to cope with stress and fatigue “really are the most effective”: “Physical activity and complete distraction from screens, switching to activities opposite to what we do at work, is the best way to maintain our performance and restore. Even if it seems that there is simply no strength left for active movement at the end of the day, any mobile activity will return you much more than a series or social networks.”

Natalya Kostarnova