Greek labour institute finds 80% of workers face intense stress

A study by the Institute of Labour of the Greek Confederation of Workers' Trade Unions (GSEE) reveals that eight in ten employees experience strong pressure at work. Around 73% report working under strict deadlines and 87% say they are frequently or constantly stressed. More than half (51%) believe the psychological strain harms their personal and social lives.

High stress levels are reported across all age groups, with 47%‑53% of workers saying they feel pressure “always” or “most of the time.” The survey also highlights workplace harassment: age (36%), gender (27%), sexual orientation (10%) and nationality (7%) are cited as main factors. Among women, gender is the leading cause (42%); among men, age (35%).

Sectors with the greatest intensity of work are education (79%), scientific‑technical activities (77%), manufacturing (76%) and hospitality (76%). Pressure is also high in health, construction and retail. Larger firms show higher stress – 65% in small firms versus 84% in companies with over 250 staff, and 62% of employees in large firms say work negatively affects their personal lives. Experts warn that sustained stress can lead to burnout, sleep problems, reduced productivity, more errors and absenteeism, burdening health and social‑security systems and the wider economy.