It's not uncommon to suffer from a phobia or an irrational fear. In fact, approximately 19 million Americans admit to having at least one phobia, according to the National Institute of Health. But what happens when they coincide with work?
Eighty-seven percent of people suffer from work-related fears, most of which stem from professional pressure, according to a recent survey of over 1,000 U.S. employees conducted by resume template provider LiveCareer. As a result, the platform sought to better understand the phobias influencing employees' careers and create awareness around the obstacles they may be facing every day in the office.
"The majority of people are navigating work-related fears and anxieties," Nina Paczka, career expert at LiveCareer, said in a release. "These findings underscore the importance of building a company culture that destigmatizes and strengthens mental health in the workplace through proper employee support and resources."
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Seventy-six percent of employees reported that suffering from phobias has impacted their work life, according to LiveCareer, and 81% admitted that the impact has largely been negative. When forced to brave these phobias at work, respondents cited detrimental impacts such as frequent absences from work, missing out on promotions and being forced to quit a job. As a result, 81% stated they would turn down their dream job if it involved having to face their biggest fear or phobia.
Despite a significant majority of respondents feeling ashamed of their phobias, 80% of respondents have discussed their problems with someone at work — including co-workers, HR leaders and managers — and more than half feel comfortable or very comfortable doing so. And while 86% acknowledged the existing support and resources available at work, 72% agreed employee benefit plans should include therapy or counseling for fears and phobias, and 70% called for more open discussion conversations on the topic at work to normalize the experience for others.
From the dread of making decisions to the anxiety many may feel about whether they're well-liked in the office, LiveCareer listed the top fears and phobias employees struggle with at work:
