Occupational Stress
Occupational Stress
If you're experiencing stress in the workplace, you might notice changes in the ways you work, because of the way your thoughts and feelings affect you. Work stress is defined as the harmful physical and emotional responses that occur when job requirements do not match the worker’s capabilities, resources, and needs (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, 1999). Globally, an estimated 12 billion working days are lost every year to depression and anxiety at a cost of US$ 1 trillion per year in lost productivity (World Health Organization: WHO, 2024).
Followings are the key factors that contribute to work related stress, and they need to be managed.
- A lack of control of our workload
- High demands on our time and energy and lack of clarity about responsibilities
- Fear of redundancy or changes
- Poor line management and lack of support
- Difficult relationships with colleagues
- Bullying or harassment in the workplace
- Workplace discrimination
Workplace stress can cause various symptoms, including physical, psychological, and behavioral changes. Be aware of any signs you may be experiencing from the list below. Workplace stress can affect how you think, feel, and work.
- Feeling withdrawn or disconnected.
- Losing motivation and drive.
- Decreased self-confidence.
- Avoiding certain tasks.
- Working longer hours or on weekends.
- Viewing situations more negatively.
Identify what is causing your stress: Understanding
the source is the first step to managing it. Recognizing why you feel stressed
can help you find ways to handle it more effectively and take the right steps
to improve your situation.
Focus on what you can control: Once you identify the cause of your stress,
determine what you can change and what you cannot. Look for ways to make your
workday more enjoyable and manageable.
Learn to manage stress in the moment: When you feel anxious or pressured, your heart
beats faster, your muscles tense, and your breathing changes. Taking three
slow, deep breaths can help calm you down by bringing your heart rate back to
normal.
Talk to someone you trust: Sharing your feelings and the pressure you're
facing can be helpful. Speaking with your manager or a colleague may give them
the opportunity to support you and improve your situation.
Take care of your physical health: It greatly affects how you feel. Plan ahead and
prepare healthy, balanced meals that you enjoy. Also, make sure to drink enough
water throughout the day.
Conclusion
Today, work and personal life often mix, making people work extra hours. Stress at work can come from different causes and may lower productivity and harm health. It is important to understand why stress happens, how it affects people, and how to manage it to create a better work environment. Stress affects people differently based on their age, gender, income, and job type. Jobs with high stress can lead to more sick days and health problems. However, having good support from others and using healthy ways to cope can help reduce stress and make work life more balanced.
Reference:
- Park, J., 2007. Work stress and job performance. Ottawa: Statistics Canada.
- World Health Organization: WHO (2024) Mental health at work. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-at-work.
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). 2004. Overtime and Extended Work Shifts: Recent Findings on Illnesses, Injuries and Health Behaviors. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. April. Publication no. 2004-143, 49 p
- NHS (2023). Work-related Stress. www.nhs.uk. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/lifes-challenges/work-related-stress/
- Rout, U.R. and Rout, J.K., 2002. Occupational stress. Stress management for primary health care professionals, pp.25-39.
- Landsbergis, P.A., Dobson, M., LaMontagne, A.D., Choi, B., Schnall, P. and Baker, D.B., 2017. Occupational stress. Occupational and environmental health, 1, pp.1-34.
Occupational stress is a growing concern, and this post provides some valuable insights into its causes and how to manage it. The factors like workload, job insecurity, and poor management can truly impact mental and physical health. The emphasis on recognizing the stressors, managing what you can control, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance is key to improving both individual well-being and overall productivity.
ReplyDeleteIn the current employee landscape, job satisfaction levels are often questionable due to a variety of reasons. Stress is a significant factor, and your article clearly defines how to manage it. It is equally important for us to learn how to manage ourselves.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the blending of work and personal life often leads to increased stress, which can negatively impact productivity and health. Understanding the causes and effects of stress, and managing it effectively, is crucial for creating a healthier work environment. Support systems and healthy coping strategies can help reduce stress and improve work-life balance.
ReplyDeleteWorkplace stress is a growing concern, and this breakdown highlights its major causes and impact on professionals' well-being. Recognizing stress triggers and taking proactive steps—such as setting boundaries, seeking support, and focusing on controllable factors—can make a significant difference. Prioritizing mental and physical health is key to sustaining productivity and job satisfaction. Organizations also play a crucial role in fostering a supportive work environment that values employee well-being.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very important issue in every organisation. Promoting work life balance is essential to minimise the work stress and improve productivity.
ReplyDeleteThe practical advice you provide for managing stress is spot on. Your suggestions—like focusing on what can be controlled, taking deep breaths, and maintaining physical health—are realistic and actionable. These are steps everyone can implement in their daily routines to reduce stress.
ReplyDeleteThis is a common situation in today’s work life, where stress impacts both health and productivity. Understanding and managing stress is important for creating a better work environment, and having support and healthy coping strategies can help maintain balance.
ReplyDeleteOccupational stress is a growing concern that can impact both employee well-being and organizational performance. Addressing stress through supportive policies, open communication, and wellness programs is crucial for fostering a healthy, productive work environment.
ReplyDeleteGood article on one of the major challenge what we are facing in our daily work lives. Its an important factor that we need to manage carefully for the betterment of the worklife as well as personal life of the employees.
ReplyDeleteWorkplace stress and offers practical tips on how to manage it. It's a helpful reminder that understanding stress triggers and focusing on self-care can make a big difference in improving overall well-being and productivity.
ReplyDeleteOccupational stress also known job stress or work related stress,refers to the negative psychological and physical effects an employee experiences due to the responsibilities,environment,or other pressures of the workplace.it can occur when a worker lacks resources or capability to perfoem their job,leading to potential health issues and decreased performance.
ReplyDeleteGreat article! Addressing occupational stress is vital for maintaining employee well-being and productivity. Implementing stress-reduction strategies can lead to a healthier and more motivated workforce
ReplyDeleteOccupational stress is increasingly becoming a critical issue in workplaces globally. Factors such as heavy workloads, tight deadlines, role ambiguity, and interpersonal conflicts contribute to this growing concern. Addressing this concern requires organizations to prioritize employee well-being, implement stress management programs, and create supportive work environments.
ReplyDelete