Workplace stress is costing Germany time, money, health

 

Workplace stress is impacting on lives and balance sheets alike, and more strongly than ever, a new study has found.

German Labor Minister Ursula von der Leyen has urged employers and trade unions to seek solutions.

Ursula von der Leyen said she hoped employers and trade unions could agree on a code to combat stress in the workplace, saying an agreement would be in the best interests of all parties.

Von der Leyen said stress-related problems were also the principle motivation for people seeking early retirement.

Half of the roughly 17,600 people surveyed said they faced severe time pressure, and of those who took time off owing to psychological illness, 70 percent said the cause was stress.