Work-related stress
Work-related stress
About work-related stress
Work-related stress is a growing problem around the world that affects not only the health and wellbeing of employees, but also the productivity of organisations. Work-related stress arises where work demands of various types and combinations exceed the person’s capacity and capability to cope. Work-related stress is the second most common compensated illness/injury in Australia, after musculoskeletal disorders.
Work-related stress can be caused by various events. For example, a person might feel under pressure if the demands of their job (such as hours or responsibilities) are greater than they can comfortably manage. Other sources of work-related stress include conflict with co-workers or bosses, constant change, and threats to job security, such as potential redundancy. According to the National Health and Safety Commission, work-related stress accounts for the longest stretches of absenteeism.
What one person may perceive as stressful, however, another may view as challenging. 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).
Symptoms of work-related stress
The signs or symptoms of work-related stress can be physical, psychological and behavioural.
Physical symptoms include:
fatigue
muscular tension
headaches
heart palpitations
sleeping difficulties, such as
insomnia
gastrointestinal upsets, such as
diarrhoea
or
constipation
dermatological disorders.
Psychological symptoms include:
depression
anxiety
discouragement
irritability
pessimism
feelings of being overwhelmed and unable to cope
cognitive difficulties, such as a reduced ability to concentrate or make decisions.
Behavioural symptoms include:
an increase in sick days or absenteeism
aggression
diminished creativity and initiative
a drop in work performance
problems with interpersonal relationships
mood swings and irritability
lower tolerance of frustration and impatience
disinterest
isolation.
What are the main work-related stressors?
All the following issues have been identified as potential stressors at workplaces. A risk management approach will identify which ones exist in your own workplace and what causes them. Stressors can include:
organisation culture
bad management practices
job content and demands
physical work environment
relationships at work
change management
lack of support
role conflict
trauma.
Causes of work-related stress
Some of the factors that commonly cause work-related stress include:
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
lack of equipment
few promotional opportunities
harassment
discrimination
poor relationships with colleagues or bosses
crisis incidents, such as an armed hold-up or workplace death.
Self-help for the individual
A person suffering from work-related stress can help themselves in a number of ways, including:
Think about the changes you need to make at work in order to reduce your stress levels and then take action. Some changes you can manage yourself, while others will need the cooperation of others.
Talk over your concerns with your employer or human resources manager.
Make sure you are well organised. List your tasks in order of priority. Schedule the most difficult tasks of each day for times when you are fresh, such as first thing in the morning.
Take care of yourself. Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
Consider the benefits of regular relaxation. You could try meditation or yoga.
Make sure you have enough free time to yourself every week.
Don’t take out your stress on loved ones. Instead, tell them about your work problems and ask for their support and suggestions.
Drugs, such as
alcohol
and
tobacco
, won’t alleviate
stress
and can cause additional health problems. Avoid excessive drinking and smoking.
Seek professional counselling from a
psychologist
.
If work-related stress continues to be a problem, despite your efforts, you may need to consider another job or a career change. Seek advice from a career
counsellor
or psychologist.
Benefits of preventing stress in the workplace
The benefits of preventing stress in the workplace include:
reduced symptoms of poor mental and physical health
fewer injuries, less illness and lost time
reduced sick leave usage, absences and staff turnover
increased productivity
greater job satisfaction
increased work engagement
reduced costs to the employer
improved employee health and community wellbeing.
Work-related stress is a management issue
It is important for employers to recognise work-related stress as a significant health and safety issue. A company can and should take steps to ensure that employees are not subjected to unnecessary stress, including:
Ensure a safe working environment.
Make sure that everyone is properly trained for their job.
De-stigmatise work-related stress by openly recognising it as a genuine problem.
Discuss issues and grievances with employees, and take appropriate action when possible.
Devise a stress management policy in consultation with the employees.
Encourage an environment where employees have more say over their duties, promotional prospects and safety.
Organise to have a human resources manager.
Cut down on the need for overtime by reorganising duties or employing extra staff.
Take into account the personal lives of employees and recognise that the demands of home will sometimes clash with the demands of work.
Seek advice from health professionals, if necessary.
Where to get help
Your
GP (doctor)
Psychologist
This way up - an online Coping with
Stress
External Link
program developed by the Clinical Research Unit of Anxiety and Depression (CRUfAD) at St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney and University of New South Wales (UNSW) Faculty of Medicine.
Your manager
Human resources manager at your workplace
WorkCover
Assist
External Link
Tel.
(03) 9941 0537
This way up - an online
Coping with
Stress
External Link
and an
Intro to
Mindfulness
External Link
program developed by the Clinical Research Unit of Anxiety and Depression (CRUfAD) at St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney and University of New South Wales (UNSW) Faculty of Medicine