Stress is no longer an occasional workplace pressure for many African professionals but a persistent state, according to the 2025 ProfMed Stress Index compiled by South African medical scheme ProfMed.

The study highlights that nearly half of professionals feel overwhelmed, reporting disrupted sleep, poor exercise habits, and declining mental resilience. Medical professionals were the hardest hit, with 42% indicating high stress levels.

Speaking to the findings, Justine Lacy, a Clinical Executive at ProfMed, said, “The pandemic created a long-lasting effect on stress. Work-life boundaries have blurred, fear of job loss has increased, and modern life pressures mean many professionals can no longer rely on personal resilience alone.”

She added that traditional coping strategies are insufficient, noting, “Many professionals are trying to cope alone, lacking time and resources to access support. Employers must create supportive workplace cultures, provide accessible mental health resources, and address stigma around stress.”

The index shows a structural shift in professional life across Africa, with stress now being a constant rather than episodic challenge.

–ChannelAfrica–