Some industrial employees report that work stressors affect their home lives

To leave work at work might be the ideal, but for those in the industrial workforce, it doesn’t seem to be the reality. Work stressors are affecting workers’ home lives and mental health, according to a new study.

StrongArm Technologies, an industrial workforce research firm, released a report last month highlighting the health and safety landscape across US construction, manufacturing, warehousing, and transportation.

“The conversation that we’re hearing so much today around flexible benefits and more comprehensive body and mind support from employers isn’t including our most critical workforce—the industrial athletes who manufacture all of our goods, keep our grocery shelves stocked, and deliver critical services,” said CEO Sean Petterson in a statement about the report.

Survey says: Not great. Nearly half (47%) of the 602 US workers surveyed in August reported being stressed at their job. Some 18% said that stress is having a negative effect on their mental health.

Those surveyed also reported that issues at work are affecting their personal lives: 32% said they were too tired to engage with family and friends, while 24% reported missing important life moments due to their hours and scheduling.

What can HR do? OSHA recommends that HR teams tailor their approach to dealing with mental health stressors to their specific workforce, cautioning that there is “no one-size-fits-all strategy when it comes to alleviating workplace stress.”

The agency also recommends companies promote self care at work, as well as a culture of health and safety. HR should check in with employees often to assess how they’re doing, and expand health and employee assistance program benefits and services for mental health, according to the regulatory body.

Not sure where to start? OSHA offers posters and other resources on addressing stressors online.—AD

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