How does stress show up in your organisation?

Liz Makin Author

Jun 04, 2026 |

A look at some of the key signs that you have a problem with stress in your organisation.

Stress can have a big impact on an organisation at an organisational level. Stress is usually discussed at an individual level, but a person's stress will also impact the organisation they work in. If several employees are stressed the organisational impact will increase. 

What are the key signs that you have a problem with stress in your organisation?

So what are the key signs that you have a problem with stress in your organisation?

1. Increased absenteeism, presenteeism and ill health. If you are stressed you may be absent from work due to stress, you may come to work but not be able to perform your duties and you may suffer from other health problems developing from the stress. If several employees are stressed these factors will significantly impact the organisation due to a lack of resources, the loss of knowledge and experience and the impact on other employees. 

2. Reduced motivation and morale. An increase in absenteeism, presenteeism and ill health will have a negative impact on employee morale and motivation, including not only the employees who are struggling with stress, but also employees who have to pick up their responsibilities.

3. Increased staff turnover. As a result of the above, staff turnover is likely to increase and experienced employees may leave the organisation. The organisation will then have to recruit and train new employees with the associated time and costs involved.

4. Reduced productivity and efficiency. Stressed employees coming into work will be much less productive and efficient than usual and this combined with employee absences, low morale and motivation and staff turnover will have a negative impact on the overall organisational productivity and efficiency.

5. Poor customer service. Customer service levels are likely to reduce with staff absences, high staff turnover, morale and motivation issues and low productivity and efficiency. This will result in customer service issues and problems, with more  customer complaints and a potential loss of customers.

6. Poor communication and relationships. People who are stressed can be angry, irritable and withdrawn, which together with low morale and motivation and high staff turnover, can impact team dynamics and communication and relationships within and outside the organisation negatively. This can then cause further stress in the organisation.

7. Deterioration in organisation performance. All the above will result in a deterioration in the organisation performance, in terms of sales, profitability and cash flow.

If you see these signs in your organisation you may have a problem with stress.

Do you want to explore more about stress and how to reduce and manage stress?

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Stress management for life: how to reduce & manage stress

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Categories: : Online courses, Personal development, Soft skills, Stress management