11% CEOs find job stress too much: Survey

Here is another classic example of "What they don't teach you at B-schools" for Indian CEOs. When under constant stress consult your doctor and do not just settle for home-made therapies. After all, investors' confidence is closely linked to the health of the person at the helm of the company.

The latest Assocham Business Barometer (ABB) survey revealed that over 66 per cent of the 270 CEOs and CMDs polled had admitted that they did come under stress, with mental pressure being the severest of the ordeals.

As many as 22 per cent said that the stress level was moderate for them, while 11 per cent said it was too much. The worst part of the story is that 82 per cent of the medical consultants, who took the ABB survey, said company heads did not visit them unless they had visible and severe life-style related diseases.

Instead of fixing an appointment with a doctor, most CEOs read books and spend time with their families to cope with work pressure, the survey said. Corporate honchos prefer to consult doctors only when they have symptoms of diabetes, blood pressure, indigestion and insomnia, clearly indicating a lack of understanding of stress-related health complications.

About 70 per cent of industry leaders coping with work pressure suffered more from mental stress than physical strain, the ABB survey, that covered most of the industry sectors, revealed.

"Doing business in India under severe competitive conditions is not easy. It tests your physical and mental stamina," said Assocham President Anil K Agarwal.

Severe business competition puts the maximum pressure on company heads who are always looking for "innovative" ways to stay ahead of rivals. As many as 77 per cent of the ABB respondents said severe business competition was the main culprit.

Reading books (stealing time at airport lounges etc), spending time with family and listening to music are cited as the three main stress busters. Yoga is catching up fast among corporate leaders while playing golf has taken a back seat among CEOs' favourite stress busters.

Poll respondents also believe their peers in the US , Europe and China suffer from more stress.