Three-quarters of Czech employees work despite exhaustion. Stress also affects their performance.

• 76% of Czech employees work despite exhaustion, while 62% already report a decline in work performance due to stress.

• 61% of people are often or very often stressed, with 40% reporting that their stress levels have increased further over the past year.

• Only 9% of employees seek professional help, while most do not talk about their mental health challenges even with their manager.

Although almost half of employees (48%) in the Czech Republic rate their mental health as (very) good, the reality of working life is considerably less positive. According to a new study by holistic healthcare provider Mavie¹, 61% of employees are often or very often stressed, and 40% report that their stress levels have increased further over the past year. The Mavie Stress Study 2026 also found that one in four working Czechs repeatedly experienced situations over the past year in which they felt they could no longer cope psychologically.

Long-term stress and exhaustion also affect work performance. A total of 76% of Czech employees go to work despite exhaustion, while 62% experience a decline in work performance due to stress. This is known as presenteeism – a situation in which a person remains at work but stress, exhaustion, or psychological strain prevents them from performing at their usual level. International research shows that reduced productivity during working hours can amount to an average loss of 37.2 working days² per year.

“Workplace stress is no longer just an individual problem, but also an economic challenge. When people continue working despite exhaustion, the problem often remains hidden, but its effects on performance, motivation, and organizational outcomes are very real. Companies therefore cannot wait until stress results in sick leave before taking action,” says Ondrej Gandel, Managing Director at Mavie.

The results of the Mavie Stress Study show a similar trend in Austria. While 76% of employees in the Czech Republic work despite exhaustion, the figure in Austria is 83%. However, the reasons why people continue working despite reaching their limits differ significantly. Financial reasons are cited by 69% of respondents in the Czech Republic, compared with 39% in Austria.

The impact on work performance is evident in both countries. In Austria, one in four respondents reports a (very) significant decline in work performance caused by their own stress, compared with one in five in the Czech Republic.

Mental health challenges remain largely unspoken

Although stress and exhaustion affect people’s ability to function at work, only 9% of Czech employees seek professional help, compared with 14% in Austria. In addition, three-quarters of employees have not talked to anyone at work about their mental health over the past year, and more than two-thirds would not confide in their manager about their challenges.

An important step is therefore to create an environment in which employees can talk openly about their mental health and access the support they need at an early stage. Companies can contribute by providing support from management, ensuring that managers take a sensitive approach, and offering easily accessible mental health programs and services.

For companies, the problem is therefore not limited to sick leave, but also includes the less visible loss of productivity directly in the workplace. Sick leave caused by mental health conditions alone cost the Czech economy CZK 16 billion in 2024³. However, the actual costs are significantly higher because sick-leave statistics do not capture the impact of presenteeism.

Managers’ stress affects the entire team

The Mavie Stress Study also highlights the important role of managers. When they are under sustained pressure, the psychological strain may affect not only them but also the atmosphere, motivation, and stability of the entire team. According to the study, 23% of employees are more likely to consider changing jobs if they perceive their manager as being chronically stressed.

“Managers have a major influence on how employees experience stress. It is therefore important that they can recognize warning signs early and respond appropriately. Supporting managers’ wellbeing is not just a benefit for individuals, but an investment in the stability and functioning of the entire team,” adds Gandel.

Work is the main source of stress

For economically active people in the Czech Republic, work is the most significant source of stress, cited by 59%, followed by financial circumstances. In the workplace, people are most affected by performance pressure, deadlines, and conflicts with managers or colleagues. Stress within work teams and overall workload are also significant factors.

In personal life, financial problems, concerns about the future, and everyday worries are among the biggest sources of stress. Sleep problems and conflicts with friends or family members also play a significant role.

Prevention can help identify problems early

The findings of the Mavie Stress Study show that addressing workplace stress is not just about providing individual support to employees. Prevention and the way managers approach the issue are equally important.

“At Mavie, we focus on prevention and want to help companies and their employees identify risks early and take care of their mental and physical health before problems become more serious. Our vision is to create the conditions for health and a sustainable life and working life in the long term,” explains Gandel.

Mavie therefore supports companies and their employees with comprehensive and easily accessible solutions for mental and physical health. Together with uLékaře.cz and Assessment Systems by Mavie Work, which have been part of Mavie since 2025, Mavie combines prevention, healthcare, psychosocial support, and leadership and organizational development.

An important part of the offering is the Employee Assistance Program (EAP): confidential and easily accessible psychosocial support that provides employees with help and guidance in challenging personal or work-related situations. Employees can access it online, at local counselling centers, or 24/7 via chat.

Companies can also access comprehensive preventive programs, digital tools supporting wellbeing, and scientifically validated personality assessments for leadership and organizational development.