Workplace stress in Australia has reached critical levels. Nearly half of our workforce reports feeling high levels of daily stress.
This isn’t just about heavy workloads. New data links this alarming trend directly to workplace bullying.
The recent Gallup State of the Global Workplace report reveals a harsh reality for Australian employees. It highlights the urgent need for employers to step up and create safer, healthier environments.
Stress in Australia: The Hard Numbers
The Gallup report paints a concerning picture. Approximately 45% of Australian workers feel significant stress every single day. This places Australia among the most stressed workforces in the world.
What is driving this stress?
- Bullying: A major cause. Harassment creates a toxic environment that destroys mental health.
- Job Insecurity: Workers are anxious about their future and financial stability.
- No “Off Switch”: The struggle to separate work from personal life is causing burnout.
- Workload: Unrealistic expectations are crushing employee morale.
The True Cost of Bullying
Bullying is a primary driver of this stress. It comes in many forms: verbal abuse, exclusion, intimidation, and gaslighting.
The impact is devastating for both the individual and the business:
- Mental Health Decline: Victims frequently suffer from anxiety and depression. Safe Work Australia classifies bullying as a serious “psychosocial hazard.”
- Lost Productivity: Stressed employees cannot focus. They show up physically, but their minds are elsewhere (presenteeism).
- High Staff Turnover: People leave bad cultures. If you have high turnover, you likely have a culture problem.
- Disengagement: Bullying erodes trust. Once trust is gone, commitment to the company follows.
Case Study: The Human Toll
The statistics represent real people. A survey by the Australian Human Rights Commission revealed the true depth of the damage.
Of those who had been bullied:
- 71% reported feeling stressed.
- 55% felt anxious.
- 36% experienced depression.
These are not just “personality clashes.” This is a health and safety crisis.
How to Fix the Problem
Employers must act. Reducing stress starts with eliminating bullying. Here is how to start:
- Enforce Strong Policies: Create a zero-tolerance policy. Define exactly what bullying is and how to report it.
- Train Your Team: Regular training helps staff recognize the signs of bullying early.
- Offer Support: Provide access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) for counselling.
- Lead from the Top: Managers must model respectful behaviour. If leaders bully, the staff will too.
- Listen: Use anonymous surveys to find out what is really happening on the ground.
Moving Forward
Workplace bullying and stress are linked. You cannot fix one without addressing the other.
Employers have a legal duty to provide a safe workplace. By stopping bullying, you lower stress, improve productivity, and keep your best staff.
Is Bullying Causing Stress in Your Team?
Don’t let a toxic culture destroy your business. Contact Jolasers for an independent investigation.
Telephone: 0418 101 164 (Stephen Oliver)
Service Areas:
Melbourne Investigations | Ballarat Investigations
Common Questions
Can I claim workers comp for stress?
Yes. If work-related stress causes a diagnosed psychological injury (like depression), you may be eligible for compensation.
Does bullying cause burnout?
Absolutely. Bullying keeps the brain in a constant state of “fight or flight.” This chronic stress leads quickly to exhaustion and burnout.
How stressed are Australian workers?
Very stressed. The Gallup report shows 45% of Australian workers feel significant daily stress, one of the highest rates in the world.