61% of SAns wish they could quit their job amid ‘mental health crisis’ - survey

John Maytham speaks with Dr Bronwyn Dworzanowski-Venter, Senior Research Associate at the University of Johannesburg & Lead Investigator in this research survey

Listen below.

South Africans are experiencing ‘unprecedented stress’ according to a recent SADAG survey.

Financial pressure and job insecurity are causing severe emotional strain.

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Workers are also feeling trapped in stressful environments as there are so few other opportunities.

In the United Kingdom, post-COVID-19 and the shift to remote work, employees have re-evaluated their expectations of employers, leading to a shift in workplace attitudes and priorities -  known as the Great Resignation.

In South Africa however, she says, high levels of unemployment and limited opportunities make this impossible.

“In South Africa, we don’t have the option of the Great Resignation to show the workplace and employers that we are not happy.” 

- Dr Bronwyn Dworzanowski-Venter, Senior research associate at the University of Johannesburg

Dr Dworzanowski-Venter says 52% of the members of this survey were professionally diagnosed with a mental health condition due to their stress.

Of those surveyed, 61% expressed a desire to quit their jobs if they could afford it.

75% of respondents experienced an inability to ‘switch off’ from work because of a constant stream of work communication, even after work hours.

She highlights two key factors that would help reduce workplace stress:

• Limiting after-hours communication 
  
  
• Allowing employees to take leave when requested 

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.