The stress of working from home is getting to most Americans

September 3, 2020

By SWNS

Sixty-five percent of Americans working from home during the coronavirus pandemic are working longer hours than ever before, according to new research.

The survey asked 2,000 Americans who are working from home about the changes in their routines and how they’ve been holding up during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Nearly seven in 10 respondents said they’ve struggled to maintain a healthy work-life balance as they work from home in isolation.

Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of CBDistillery, the survey found 56 percent of respondents shared they’ve been more stressed about work than ever before.

This increased stress isn’t surprising, as 62 percent of respondents feel pressure from their company to be working beyond what is required of them as they work from home.

Sixty-seven percent of respondents also said their company has pressured them into being available at all hours of the day since their work from home period started.

In fact, respondents shared they tend to work over their normal hours at least three times a week and six free hours every week.

Respondents were asked what the latest time they’ve worked until is, during their time in isolation and the average person clocked out at 7:17 pm. However, 26 percent shared they’ve worked later than 10 pm — and some have even worked until 2 am.

Aside from working longer hours, 63 percent of those surveyed shared they feel their company discourages taking time off while everybody is working from home.

With these added stressors, it’s no surprise 59 percent of respondents feel if they don’t work overtime and go above and beyond, their job may be in jeopardy.

In fact, respondents said they’ve worried about their job security an average of three times while working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The survey also asked respondents how they’re coping with all of this stress between work, their families and the global pandemic.

Over half of respondents are turning on the TV to decompress at the end of a long day.

Other coping mechanisms respondents are using included meditation (42 percent), cooking (32 percent) and even playing board games (29 percent).

Despite finding ways to manage their stress levels on their own, 77 percent of respondents wish their company offered more resources on how to cope with the stress of COVID-19 while they continue working from home.

“We’re all trying to get through this stressful time,” continued the Van Dusen. “You shouldn’t feel uncomfortable talking about your temporary stress with your loved ones or even with your boss.”