The stress level of the average Australian worker is trudging ever-higher, with three quarters of the workforce feeling the negative health effects.

Stress and associated health effects take a toll on the economy too; with stress-related days-off costing employers about $30 billion per year.

A new study from the Australian Psychological Society (APS) surveyed 1,500 people about their work-related wellbeing, finding a continuous decline in feelings and the general outlook of workers.

Professor Lyn Littlefield from the APS says productivity and the long-term health of staff is at risk, if the snowballing stress problem is not slowed down.

“It is concerning that levels of stress are going up, while levels of satisfaction and workplace wellbeing are going down,” Prof Littlefield says

“There are many people in Australia who are under a great deal of pressure and as time goes on, as stress becomes more chronic, it actually feels worse... we don't get used to it.”

Some of the poorest outlooks come from the youngest workers, with Australians aged between 18 and 25 having the highest levels of depressive symptoms.

Younger workers are more concerned about overcoming financial pressure, the survey found.

“For many young people there is a confusion as to job satisfaction and how to get into a career that's going to create satisfaction,” Professor Amanda Gordon, from the University of Canberra, explained.

Workers with the highest levels of wellbeing and lowest levels of stress said they felt more supported at work and received frequent feedback and recognition from their bosses.

The survey has been released this week at the start of National Psychology Week, hoping to provide figures for business leaders to identify ways to adjust their workplaces, for the future health and wellbeing of staff.

A summary of the survey results and more information on National Psychology Week is available from the APS website.