A new report has revealed that Uganda has the second most stressed workforce in sub-Saharan Africa. The report, titled the State of the Global Workplace 2023 Report, conducted by the American analytics and advisory company Gallup, highlighted the stress levels experienced by employees worldwide. According to the report, Uganda ranked second, with 57 percent of respondents admitting to experiencing daily stress from work. The top position was claimed by Chad, with 58 percent of respondents reporting work-related stress.
Among Uganda's neighboring countries, Tanzania ranked third with 56 percent, while Kenya stood at the 21st position with 31 percent. The report sampled 35 African countries, with Uganda's stress levels being notably high.
The report attributed the high stress levels to various factors, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even with the decline in COVID-19 cases, the recovery period has been marked by significant stress globally. High inflation rates and economic uncertainties have further contributed to stress levels among employees.
Josephine Byenkya, an accountant, highlighted the pressure of untenable job targets as a significant cause of stress among Ugandan workers. She also pointed out toxic workplace environments, where office politics and lack of appreciation are common, as additional stress factors.
Dr. Hasfa Lukwata, head of the Mental Health Division at the Health Ministry, emphasized the need for favorable mental health work policies to address the issue. Dr. Lukwata stressed the importance of creating supportive working environments and providing assistance to employees facing personal challenges.
The report used data collected through the Gallup World Poll system, reflecting responses from adults aged 15 and older who were employed. A total of 1,000 individuals in each country were evaluated using a standard set of core questions translated into the respective country's major languages.
As Uganda grapples with high levels of work-related stress, there is a growing need for interventions to promote employee well-being and productivity. Addressing the root causes of stress and implementing supportive workplace policies will be crucial in improving the mental health and performance of Uganda's workforce.
Working while stressed can have significant negative effects on both the individual and the workplace. When workers are stressed, their productivity and performance often decline. They may have difficulty concentrating, making decisions, and completing tasks efficiently. Additionally, stressed workers are more likely to make mistakes, which can lead to errors, accidents, and lower-quality work. Chronic stress can also have serious health consequences, including anxiety, depression, and burnout.
