Workplace stress can potentially affect everyone that interacts within a specific work environment. While some individuals may be more susceptible than others, it can still have an adverse effect on those individuals that know how to handle stressful jobs and interpersonal relationships.

There are a variety of symptoms that may indicate someone is experiencing workplace stress. When employees show signs of being emotionally-drained, exhausted, or burned-out, it’s important to address these early on. In some instances, ongoing stress may lead to workplace anger, which can be exhibited in a variety of unhealthy behaviors.

Physicians, in particular, are susceptible to burnout. According to a recent study, 45.8% of the physicians were considered to manifest with at least one symptom. Just two possible symptoms could be physical or emotional exhaustion. Current data also shows that physicians within the United States overall, are experiencing a 35.2% burnout rate.

Emergency room doctors experience the highest burnout rates than any other medical professional, as revealed in a Medscape Physician Lifestyle Survey published in January 2017. When surveyed, 59% of the emergency room doctors claimed that they did feel burned-out. This is not surprising given the fast-paced environment along with emergency room overcrowding. Furthermore, many of the patients seen by these doctors may be facing life-threatening medical situations.

While male physicians experience a significant amount of burnout, female physicians rate themselves as experiencing it to a greater degree. A Medscape Physician Lifestyle Survey revealed that while men rated themselves at 45% on the burnout scale, women rated themselves at 55% on the same scale.

There are also studies that show physicians tend to be dissatisfied with their work-life balance. More specifically, they are nearly twice as likely as people within the United States’ general population to be dissatisfied with their work-life balance, which is a significant finding. While there are other causes for divorce than not having a satisfying work-life balance, this is likely one of the main reasons that physicians experience a ten percent to 20% higher divorce rate.

Physicians aren’t alone in experiencing the need for a “mental health day” due to work-related stress. Recent figures show that approximately 66% of both male and female employees have called in sick or taken a mental health day due to the stress they experience at work. Due to this, roughly one million employees within the United States miss work on a daily basis.

While many of these employees may have personal leave time, sick leave, or vacation time available, others may not. This has the capacity to increase stress levels even further. This may include feeling fear due to being written up for missing work, missed project deadlines, and reduced pay.

Since each individual is unique, their specific reasons for experiencing stress and exhibiting workplace anger will vary. However, since workplace anger has the capacity to generate stress for everyone within that environment, it’s important to address each individual on a case-by-case basis. Managing anger in the workplace, particularly when it’s already a stressful work environment such as a hospital emergency room, can be challenging. This is why it is essential for employers to provide support and resources to their employees.