By: Jasmin Aujla
Workplace stress continues to be a growing concern across industries, and it’s no longer just about burnout or long hours. Stress can show up in subtle ways: a sense of disconnection, unclear expectations, or even low job satisfaction.
To help address this, the Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers developed a digital tool called Measure Workplace Stress. This app guides users through the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ), a validated survey of approximately 40 questions. It explores a wide range of workplace factors, including work demands, organizational culture, interpersonal relationships, values, health and safety, stress symptoms, and offensive behaviours. After completing the questionnaire, users receive a score along with tailored suggestions and an action plan to support positive change.
Based on this tool, we’ve curated a list of reflective questions that can be used regularly to recognize stress early and take action before it escalates. A few thoughtful questions asked consistently and with care can help identify stressors early and create a culture where people feel heard and supported.
Leaders are invited to use these questions or categories as part of regular one-on-one conversation framework or in team pulse checks. Employees are encouraged to use this list privately to reflect on their own experience and identify areas for discussion, support, or change.
Work Demands: Is your workload sustainable?
- Do you have enough time to complete your work tasks?
- Is your work stimulating or engaging in a way that keeps you interested?
- Do you often work beyond your scheduled hours to complete unfinished tasks?
- Are you regularly exposed to emotionally distressing situations?
Decision Authority: Do you have control over your work?
- Do you feel you have a high degree of influence over your work tasks?
- Can you influence how much work is assigned to you or the deadlines you’re given?
Skill Discretion: Is your work meaningful and growth-oriented?
- Does your role offer opportunities to learn new things?
- Do you feel your work is valuable and makes a difference?
Communication: Are expectations clear and feedback constructive?
- Do you receive the information you need to do your work effectively?
- Is your work recognized and appreciated by management?
- Do you feel you’re treated fairly in your workplace?
- Are expectations for your role clearly communicated?
Leadership: How supportive and organized is leadership?
- How effectively does your immediate manager plan work?
- How often do you receive help or support from your manager?
- Can you trust the information shared by management?
- Does leadership trust you to do your job well?
- Is work distributed fairly within your team?
Physical Work Environment: How physically safe is your work environment?
- How well are environmental conditions managed (e.g., air quality, lighting, noise)?
- Is your workstation or workspace set up in a way that supports your physical comfort (e.g., seating, screen height, desk setup)?
- How well are safety risks and concerns addressed?
Job Satisfaction: Do you feel good about your work overall?
- Do you enjoy your job as a whole?
- Does your job leave you feeling so drained that it affects your personal life?
Burnout Indicators: Are you feeling emotionally drained after work?
- How often do you feel worn out?
- How often do you feel emotionally drained?
- Do you feel irritable or short-tempered after work?
Offensive Behaviours: Are there serious concerns that need action?
In the last 12 months, have you experienced any of the following in the workplace?
- Unwanted sexual attention
- Threats of violence
- Physical violence
- Bullying
- Harassment
Note: These questions should always be treated with care. If even one of these is answered “yes,” it’s a signal for immediate HR or leadership follow-up.
Need Help Addressing Workplace Stress?
Our team at Pivot specialize in workplace well-being, conflict resolution, and policy support. Whether you’re building a psychologically safe culture or managing complex team dynamics, we can help.
Reach out to learn more about our customized HR solutions and how we can support your team.