Occupational Stress: A Variable Perception
Work-related stress is a real and growing issue across the globe. Various psychological theories and authors have offered definitions of stress. It has been described as “the non-specific response of the body to any demand placed upon it” (Selye, 1987). More recently, it has also been described as strain, referring to its manifestation in the body (Le Fevre et al. (2003)). Other definitions link stress to unpleasant emotions such as tension, frustration, anxiety, anger, and depression.
However, as noted in numerous research articles, stress is not always a negative force. It can sometimes serve as a morale booster. In a competitive work environment, a certain level of pressure or stress can motivate employees to perform better. Within organisational contexts, the concept of stress is often discussed in relation to performance, motivation, and employee wellbeing.
Key Concepts
Stress is commonly understood as the relationship between a given situation and an employees’ reaction to it. It is a typical response that can occur when workloads become excessive, when employees feel that the demands of a situation exceed their capabilities, or when pressures and expectations do not align with their knowledge or experience. Employees may interpret such situations as either a challenge or a threat, which can lead to stress.
One key feature of stress is its subjective nature – the same situation may affect individuals in very different ways. While some may be able to cope effectively, others may struggle or be unable to cope at all.
Long-Term Stressful Situations Have Consequences
Prolonged stress can lead to a range of mental, physical, and behavioral issues. For example, increased consumption of alcohol or tobacco may be linked to stress.
Work-related stress is associated with poor emotional and physical wellbeing, increased absenteeism, and reduced productivity due to presenteeism. In the United States, mental health is currently at historically low levels, and occupational stress is believed to be a significant contributing factor. Approximately 8% of US healthcare costs are attributed to work-related stressors. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these issues, particularly among healthcare professionals, with 45% reporting high levels of job burnout.
Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness meditation (MM) – a family of practices centred around cultivating awareness and presence – has gained substantial cultural and scientific attention over the past three decades. The techniques used in MM appear applicable to a wide range of conditions and contexts, and their benefits may extend beyond treating clinical psychopathology to enhancing general resilience and wellbeing.
Originally introduced to support patients experiencing debilitating stress, often in relation to chronic pain, MM has since been adapted for various therapeutic applications. Its core aim is to foster a non-judgmental awareness of the present moment and promote self-regulation, which may help reduce work-related stress.
Mindfulness Meditation in the Workplace
Although many workplaces have introduced in-person mindfulness programmes, these are not always scalable or cost-effective, and often exclude employees who may benefit most.
Self-guided mindfulness apps provide a more accessible alternative. These apps offer consistent instruction and give users the flexibility to engage at their own pace. Studies have shown that mindfulness apps can significantly reduce perceived stress and improve wellbeing, with these effects often lasting up to six months after use.
A recent study by Radin R.M. et al. evaluated the effects of digital meditation on work-related stress. Participants were randomly assigned to groups with and without access to MM. Those using digital meditation reported significant improvements after eight weeks, including reduced global stress, job strain, burnout, depression, and anxiety, as well as increased mindfulness, job satisfaction, and engagement. These benefits were sustained at a four-month follow-up. Notably, greater adherence – such as meditating for five minutes or more per day – was linked to greater reductions in perceived stress.
Despite its strengths, including a large sample size (over 1,400 participants) and the inclusion of individuals with moderate to high stress and no prior meditation experience, the study’s generalisability is limited regarding employees’ roles, race, ethnicity, and gender. Key demographic groups such as service workers, Black or African American individuals, and men – all of whom may experience high levels of burnout – were underrepresented. Additionally, at the time the study was conducted, the application was only available in English, potentially limiting its accessibility to non–English-speaking employees.
Conclusion
Digital mindfulness meditation may help reduce perceived stress, job strain, and burnout, while improving mindfulness, engagement, and overall wellbeing among employees. As we adapt to a “new normal” in a post-pandemic world, there is a pressing need for scalable, cost-effective interventions to support mental health in the workplace.
Further studies are required to enhance user adherence, explore the mechanisms behind MM’s effectiveness, and evaluate broader health benefits and potential cost savings for employers.
Organisations should consider adopting approaches that reduce work-related stress while enhancing performance. Supportive work environments and proactive management play a critical role in helping employees manage workplace stress.
Veronique Ropion, MD
Director of Business Strategy, Marketing, and Corporate Communication
Source:
Harshana PVS. Work Related Stress: A Literature Review. Ann Soc Sci Manage Stud 2(3): ASM.MS.ID.555586 (2018).
Radin RM et al. Digital Meditation to Target Employee Stress. A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Network Open. January 14, 2025;8(1-13):e2454435. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.54435.
Wielgosz J et al. Mindfulness Meditation and Psychopathology. Annu Rev Clin Psychol. 2019 May 07; 15: 285–316. doi:10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-021815-093423.