Study: The hostility of the American workplace

Employees are increasingly stressed by inflexible schedules, heavy workloads and ‘threatening social environments’ on the job.

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Rand Corp. has released an extensive study detailing the conditions of workplaces nationwide.

Rand says:

The American workplace is physically and emotionally taxing, with workers frequently facing unstable work schedules, unpleasant and potentially hazardous working conditions, and an often hostile social environment.

What’s causing all the strain? Scheduling is a major issue.

Rand’s survey of 3,066 employees found that one-third of workers have no control over their schedule. Three-quarters (78 percent) of respondents said they’re required to be “present at their workplace” during business hours, yet just over half (54 percent) reported working the same hours every day.

Heavy workloads are another common complaint. More than one in four respondents lamented not having sufficient time to complete their tasks, which can disrupt personal lives. About half of all people polled confirmed having to work beyond regular office hours to get everything done.

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