Work-Related Stress
“The adverse reaction people have to excessive pressure of work or other types of demands placed on them”.
HSE definition.
Work-Related Stress.
Work-Related Stress
What is it?
In today’s society it is believed that work-related stress is an escalating problem that accounts for the longest stretches of absenteeism not only in the UK but equally around the world. It affects not only the health and well-being of employees, but also the productivity of the organisation too.
Work-related stress can be described as when the demands of the individual’s job role e.g. pressure or employee expectations exceeds the individual’s capacity and capability to cope within that situation. It can also be caused by continued change, a threat of job security/ potential redundancy, conflict and lack of communication between the individual’s employers and co-workers.
Therefore, the perception of stress and stressful situations is unique to different people. Whether a person experiences work-related stress depends on the job, the person’s psychological make-up, and other factors (such as personal life and general health).
Unfortunately, work related stress is described as an unbearable burden whereby, the individuals feel they must keep their heads down and carry on with the job even though they are struggling immensely in their role/work situation.
What causes work-related stress?
When stress is triggered as a result of work pressures it can be due to a number of reasons such as:
Long hours, heavy workload
Changes within the organisation
Tight deadlines, changes to duties
Job insecurity, lack of autonomy
Boring work
Insufficient skills for the job
Over-supervision
Inadequate working environment
Lack of proper resources / equipment
Few promotional opportunities
Harassment / Bullying / Discrimination
Poor relationships with colleagues or bosses
Crisis incidents, such as an armed hold-up or workplace death.
Unfortunately, within today’s economic climate, individuals are pressurised to feel ‘grateful’ for having a job and the added pressures of working life get accepted rather than questioned.
What are the signs of stress?
When an individual experiences acute stress their brain releases chemicals that tell the body that it is in danger, activating the flight or fight response, known as the body’s survival mechanism when faced with danger. During the fight or flight response the individual will experience an increased heart rate, rapid breathing, dry mouth and sweating.
If you are experiencing or have had a long term exposure to stress, and the high levels of hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline that are activated within your body, can lead to increased vulnerability to illnesses, such as depression, obesity, heart disease, etc
What are the symptoms of stress.
Work related stress can show itself into various symptoms which can include:
Insomnia leading to tiredness, sleep disturbances
Irritability or outbursts of anger
Low mood (anxiety & depression)
Consuming too much caffeine or alcohol
Low productivity accompanied by feelings of low achievement
Regular absence and a higher sickness rate
Being accident-prone
Being cynical and defensive, finding fault
Difficulty concentrating, lack of motivation
Headaches, backache, muscle tension
Indigestion, weight loss or gain – change in eating habits,
Decreased level of exercise
Increased use of alcohol or other drugs
Shortness of breath, regular or lingering colds