The table compares the views of CEOs and their partners or spouses regarding the main causes of stress in a CEO’s lifestyle, with data shown in percentages. Multiple responses were allowed.
Overall, partners were more likely than CEOs to see time pressure, work overload, long working hours, and especially work-related travel as major stress factors. By contrast, CEOs were much more likely to report that work demands intruded on their private life and family relationships.
In terms of similarities, both groups gave relatively low importance to interpersonal relations and taking work home, with figures ranging between 21% and 25%. However, significant differences emerged for several factors. The largest gap was for work-related travel, cited by 87% of partners compared to only 39% of CEOs. Likewise, 62% of partners mentioned long working hours and work overload, compared to 24% and 37% of CEOs, respectively.
On the other hand, 68% of CEOs believed that demands of work on their private life were a major source of stress, far higher than the 23% reported by partners. Similarly, 45% of CEOs saw work demands affecting family relationships, compared to only 29% of partners.