WORKPLACE STRESS
All of us can experience stress in the workplace at some point in our lives. At times it can be positive as it helps us to stay motivated and get things done. However, if we suffer from stress for extended periods of time it can be harmful to our putting us under both physical and emotional strain and can lead to physical illnesses and psychological depression.
WHAT IS WORKPLACE STRESS?
What place stress when it is out of control can cause serious psychological and physical harm. Stress in the workplace it’s becoming more common, and it’s behind approximately 40% of all work-related sickness days in the UK. This provides a huge issue for the employers the employees and of course the economy. Research from the health and safety executive (HSE) shows that industries such as education defence social work public Administration and human health record the highest rates of workplace stress within the UK.
Women have been found to be more likely to experience workplace stress with those aged between 35 and 44 being the most affected.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF WORKPLACE STRESS?
Work can be an extremely important source of achievement and camaraderie when it is managed well. However, if a workplace is not organised or well-managed or supportive it can have a detrimental effect on employees lives.
Some of the symptoms of workplace stress or causes are as follows:
- Lack of clarity regarding tasks assigned.
- Employees receiving a higher workload and can manage all that is on the edge of their knowledge or outside of this skill set.
- Not having sufficient training for the position they are in.
- Given responsibility over and above that which they are ready for.
- Not having any autonomy of work that is assigned to them or how it’s completed.
- being asked to do things within a realistic timeframe.
- Feeling undervalued I’m being offered no encouragement.
- Not having the correct resources to carry out their job.
- Issues with bullying and other colleagues.
- Role conflicts between employees.
- Change within the organization when it is not managed well.
- Being expected to work many hours.
- External pressures such as demanding clients, negative press or a parent company.
- Sexual harassment in the workplace.
What are the physical and psychological signs of workplace stress?
- Elevated heart rate or high blood pressure.
- Increased sweating.
- Headache and muscle tension.
- Chest pain or back pain.
- Problems with your Muinn system leading you prone to infections and illness.
- Digestive problems.
- Weight gain or loss.
- Inability to sleep, but getting to sleep and early morning waking.
- Loss of libid
Over a period of time workplace stress can lead to a number of negative outcomes such as poor job performance, financial difficulty and redundancy. In addition, it can cause strain on your interpersonal relationships and less effective everyday functioning. Long periods of stress can also lead to long-term sickness resulting in low productivity for the organisation, stress and strain on other workers as a result of this.
WAYS TO HANDLE WORKPLACE STRESS
- Learn how to say no to tasks outside of your remit and responsibility. This gives you time to allow you to focus on your own priorities.
- Delegate work to others if you do not have time to finish it yourself. Remember delegation skills can be learnt.
- Set realistic deadlines for yourself.
- Make sure your scheduling time for relaxation and downtime.
- Try to exercise regularly to let off steam.
- Give up on unhealthy snacks and eat more fruit and vegetables.
- Try mindfulness at night to help you sleep and switch your mind off.
- Make sure you take a break during the day and get outside of your office and get some fresh air, this will increase your energy and give you a new perspective.
- Reduce alcohol and caffeine intake.
- Try yoga mindfulness and other exercises which have a calming effect.
On average each person takes 21.6 days a year for stress depression or anxiety. Clearly, this is a problem. (HSC). This represents 17.9 million working days lost.
