October Health – 2025 Report

Work stress in Kenya

The leading cause of work stress in Kenya at the population level is job insecurity, often driven by economic instability and high unemployment rates. This uncertainty about continued employment creates significant stress among workers. Additionally, heavy workloads and poor working conditions contribute to widespread work stress. For organizations, addressing these issues through supportive workplace policies and offering resources like October's digital group sessions on stress management can be beneficial.

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Work stress Prevalence
32.2%
Affected people
17,710,000

Impact on the people of Kenya

Effects of High Work Stress on Health and Personal Life

  • Health Impact:

    • Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases
    • Weakened immune system leading to frequent illnesses
    • Sleep disturbances causing fatigue and reduced cognitive function
    • Mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and burnout

  • Personal Life Impact:

    • Strained relationships with family and friends due to irritability or withdrawal
    • Reduced time and energy for hobbies and personal interests
    • Impaired work-life balance leading to feelings of overwhelm and dissatisfaction
    • Lowered overall quality of life and happiness

Supporting employees with tools like digital group sessions and assessments from platforms like October can help manage these stress effects effectively in the workplace.

Impact on the Kenya Economy

Effects of High Work Stress on an Economy

  • Reduced Productivity: Chronic work stress leads to burnout and decreased efficiency, lowering overall output.
  • Increased Absenteeism: Stress-related illnesses cause more sick leaves, disrupting workflow and increasing costs.
  • Higher Healthcare Costs: Elevated stress levels raise the incidence of mental and physical health issues, burdening healthcare systems.
  • Employee Turnover: Stress drives employees to quit, increasing recruitment and training expenses.
  • Lower Innovation: Stress impairs creativity and decision-making, hindering economic growth.

Promoting employee mental health through initiatives like October’s digital group sessions and assessments can mitigate these effects and enhance economic performance.

What can government do to assist? 

 Strategies for a Country to Lower Work Stress

1. **Promote Work-Life Balance**
   - Encourage flexible working hours and remote work options.
   - Enforce reasonable working hours and limit overtime.

2. **Strengthen Labor Laws and Protections**
   - Implement regulations against workplace harassment and discrimination.
   - Ensure fair wages and job security.

3. **Increase Access to Mental Health Resources**
   - Provide subsidized or free mental health services for employees.
   - Promote digital group sessions and assessments like those offered by October for workplace mental health support.

4. **Encourage Employer Responsibility**
   - Incentivize companies to adopt mental health-friendly policies.
   - Promote mental health training for managers and supervisors.

5. **Raise Awareness and Reduce Stigma**
   - Launch national campaigns to educate about mental health and stress management.
   - Promote open discussions about work stress in workplaces.

These combined efforts can help reduce work-related stress on a national scale.

What can businesses do to assist their employees?

Ways a Company Can Lower Work Stress

  1. Promote Work-Life Balance
    Encourage employees to take regular breaks, use their vacation days, and avoid after-hours work emails.

  2. Provide Mental Health Resources
    Offer access to counseling, mental health apps, and workshops. Digital group sessions like those from October can be effective for peer support.

  3. Create a Supportive Culture
    Foster open communication where employees feel safe discussing stress and mental health without stigma.

  4. Manage Workload and Expectations
    Ensure workloads are reasonable and deadlines are realistic. Regular check-ins can help adjust as needed.

  5. Encourage Physical Activity and Relaxation
    Promote activities such as stretching breaks, mindfulness, or yoga sessions during the workday.

Implementing these can significantly reduce stress and improve overall employee wellbeing.