More than 80 per cent of employees in East Africa experience moderate to extreme stress and about 37.8 per cent of a new survey's respondents reported high or extreme stress.

Junior professionals experienced higher stress levels (86.3%) compared to executives (82.4%), according to the 2023 State of Mental Health at Work survey by the Mental Health Hub (mHub), a mental health clinic based in Rwanda.

Here are some of the top pressing issues that cause stress, according to People Matters, initiative of prioritizing employees’ mental wellbeing through human resource (HR) management:

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1. Personal finances (42%)

Cailin Human, the Chief Executive Officer of mHub said that personal finances are the top causes of work-related stress due to inadequate payments.

"Personal finances, especially when paired with inadequate pay, are significant sources of work-related stress. Employees dealing with financial strain often find it hard to focus on tasks, leading to decreased productivity and heightened emotional exhaustion,” said Human.

"The constant worry about meeting basic needs and providing for their families lingers throughout the workday, affecting their well-being and performance. This stress can sometimes push employees to work beyond their limits, further eroding their mental and physical health, and creating a cycle of burnout and reduced efficiency.”

2. Heavy workloads and long hours (30.4%)

Françoise Uzamukunda, the Country Director of the Mental Health Hub, highlighted the impact of heavy workload on employees’ mental wellbeing.

"If an employee is expected to work seven hours a day but has a workload that cannot be completed within that time, it feels overwhelming and often forces them to put in extra hours, and this leads to blurred boundaries between professional responsibilities and personal time, often resulting in stress,” said Uzamukunda.

She said that employees sometimes neglect their well-being because they are so focused on completing tasks hence unbalancing their work and social life.

"Sometimes, individuals are assigned tasks beyond their capacity, and often, they feel unable to say no. This leads to a cycle of stress as they grapple with how to accomplish tasks for which they lack the necessary knowledge or skills.

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3. Fear of losing job (30.1%)

Jane Gatete Abatoni, the Executive Secretary of ARCT-Ruhuka, an association of trauma counsellors, said that fear of job loss or being stuck in short-term contracts can weigh heavily on employees, leading to constant anxiety and stress.

"The uncertainty about future employment impacts their sense of stability and security, making it difficult to fully invest in their current roles. As a result, this insecurity often affects their mental well-being, diminishing both their productivity and commitment. The constant worry about what's next takes a toll on their focus, creating a cycle of stress that affects not only their work but also their personal lives,” Abatoni said.

4. Personal family responsibilities (29.4%)

"Balancing personal family responsibilities with work can place a significant burden on employees, leading to stress and diminished focus. Juggling childcare, elder care, or managing household demands alongside professional duties often leaves individuals feeling overwhelmed. This strain can affect their mental health, lowering productivity and making it difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance, ultimately impacting both their well-being and job performance,” said Abatoni.

5. Poor management (24.1%)

"Poor management can be a major source of stress for employees, leading to confusion, frustration, and a lack of direction. When leaders fail to communicate clearly, set realistic expectations, or provide proper support, it can create an environment of uncertainty and low morale. This not only hampers productivity but also contributes to feelings of burnout and disengagement, ultimately affecting the overall success of the organization,”said Human.

6. Multitasking several responsibilities (28.8%)

"Multitasking on multiple responsibilities can significantly increase stress levels among employees. The pressure to juggle various tasks simultaneously, coupled with a lack of clarity about what employers expect from them, often leads to feelings of being overwhelmed and fatigue. When employees are unsure of their priorities, they may struggle to focus, leading to decreased productivity and potential errors. This constant switch between duties not only hinders their ability to fully engage with each task but also compounds their stress as they navigate competing demands,” said Uzamukunda.

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7. Challenging workplace relationship (21.7%)

Challenging workplace relationships are a major source of stress for employees, especially when conflicts, misunderstandings, or lack of collaboration arise, Human noted.

"Navigating difficult interactions with colleagues or supervisors can create tension, making the work environment uncomfortable and decreasing overall job satisfaction. When communication breaks down, it leads to frustration and can impact productivity, morale, and the team dynamic, further exacerbating stress levels,” said Human.

Human said good working environment goes beyond just having diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. It is about truly making people feel valued and aligned with the organization.

"When companies focus on belonging, they begin to address the mental well-being of employees and recognize the importance of aligning the company’s values with the values of individuals. This alignment not only fosters healthier and happier employees but also strengthens the resilience and success of the business as a whole,” she said.

8. Unclear expectation (18.5%)

"Unclear expectations in the workplace can significantly increase stress. When employees are uncertain about what is expected of them or face conflicting demands, it creates confusion and anxiety. This lack of clarity can hinder performance, reduce confidence, and lead to feelings of frustration. Without clear guidance, workers may struggle to prioritize tasks, resulting in inefficiency and heightened pressure to meet unknown or shifting goals,” said Abatoni.