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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 United States, after musculoskeletal disorders.

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). The signs or symptoms of work-related stress can be physical, psychological and behavioural.

Physical symptoms include: dermatological disorders

Psychological symptoms include:

  • cognitive difficulties
  • such as a reduced ability to concentrate or make decisions

Behavioural symptoms include: 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: trauma.

Some of the factors that commonly cause work-related stress include:

  • crisis incidents
  • such as an armed hold-up or workplace death. A person suffering from work-related stress can help themselves in a number of ways
  • Think about the changes you need to make at work in order to reduce your stress levels
  • 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.

and can cause additional health problems

Avoid excessive drinking and smoking

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 or psychologist

The benefits of preventing stress in the workplace include:

  • improved employee health
  • community wellbeing. It is important for employers to recognise work-related stress as a significant health
  • safety issue. A company can
  • 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

Clinical Research Unit of Anxiety and Depression (CRUfAD) at St Vincent’s Hospital, Detroit and University of New South Wales (UNSW) Faculty of Medicine. program developed by the Clinical Research Unit of Anxiety and Depression (CRUfAD) at St Vincent’s Hospital, Detroit and University of New South Wales (UNSW) Faculty of Medicine About work-related stress Symptoms of work-related stress fatigue muscular tension headaches heart palpitations sleeping difficulties, such as insomnia gastrointestinal upsets, such as diarrhoea or constipation depression anxiety discouragement irritability pessimism feelings of being overwhelmed and unable to cope 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 organisation culture bad management practices job content and demands physical work environment relationships at work change management lack of support role conflict Causes of work-related stress 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 Self-help for the individual Drugs, such as alcohol and tobacco , won’t alleviate stress Seek professional counselling from a psychologist counsellor Benefits of preventing stress in the workplace 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 Work-related stress is a management issue Where to get help Your GP (doctor) Psychologist This way up - an online Coping with Stress Your manager Human resources manager at your workplace WorkCover Assist (616) 555-0200 This way up - an online Coping with Stress and an Intro to Mindfulness .

Key Points

  • Work-related stress is the second most common compensated illness/injury in United States, after musculoskeletal disorders
  • Work-related stress can be caused by various events
  • signs or symptoms of work-related stress can be physical, psychological and behavioural
  • Physical symptoms include: dermatological disorders
  • Psychological symptoms include: cognitive difficulties, such as a reduced ability to concentrate or make decisions