Survey: Stress distracting nearly 40% of workers

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Nearly 40% of respondents in a new survey by Columbia-headquartered supplemental insurance company Colonial Life reported stress levels significant enough to distract them from work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The survey, conducted from March 20-23 among 1,200 U.S. adults by Charleston-based market researcher Dynata on behalf of Colonial Life, found that nearly 40% of respondents reported “high” or “moderate” daily stress levels, with finances topping the list of worries for 21%. Work worries were cited by 20%, while 17% fretted about the health of loved ones and 13% about personal health concerns.

“Many of America’s workers lead stressful lives in the best of times, with responsibilities at work, with family and at home,” Richard Shaffer, senior vice president of field and market development at Colonial Life, said in a news release. “It’s no wonder that we see high stress levels and concern about health and family and finances running high during such an uncertain period.”

Nearly one in four adults said they spend more than five hours of work time each work worrying, with 26% admitting such stress makes them less productive at the office.

Workers have ideas for solutions, however. Fifty-two percent of respondents said increased salary would ease stress, while 40% pointed to additional paid time off. Those ideas also topped the list of a 2019 Colonial Life survey.

Respondents to this year’s survey also wanted more flexible work schedules (38%), more flexible work locations (25%), and more wellness programs (23%).