New findings show high stress levels among employees
Nearly half of Australians are looking for a new job amid high levels of stress and low levels of engagement, according to a new report.
Gallup's latest State of the Global Workplace report revealed that 48% of Australians experienced a lot of stress for a day in 2023.
It also found that only 21% of employees feel engaged at work, while 12% are actively disengaged or actively oppose their employer's goals.
"Compared to their peers, they are more likely to be suffering in their overall wellbeing, less likely to feel respected and less likely to experience daily enjoyment," the report read.
Gallup warned that this lack of engagement could cost Australian companies over AU$220 billion annually in lost opportunity, or nine per cent of the country's GDP.
Searching for new jobs
The findings are in line with recent research from TELUS Health, which found that more than three in five Australian employees are suffering from burnout, with 47% of employees feeling mentally and/or physically exhausted after their shift and 34% finding it difficult to be motivated at work.
Amid high stress levels and low engagement, the report found that nearly 47% of employees are watching for or actively seeking a new job.
It comes as 74% consider now as a good time to find a job, according to the report.
"Australian workplaces are facing a retention, productivity, and mental health crisis," said Claire de Carteret, managing director APAC, workplace advisory at Gallup, in a statement. "Organisational leaders urgently need to address this crisis by taking actions that foster a workplace culture of employee engagement and wellbeing."
