It is estimated that the majority of us spend around a quarter of our adult working lives actually in work — and while it can provide us with some job satisfaction and a sense of purpose, the workplace can also be a setting of real stress and worry.
‘Stress in the workplace’ refers to an adverse reaction we may get due to unrealistic demands being placed on us at work. While some stress is an accepted part of work and can be a good motivator, excessive pressure can lead to unproductive stress — which will undermine your performance and potentially make you ill.
What are the causes of work-related stress?
Everyone is under some form of pressure in the workplace. From the cleaner, who is expected to live up to the exacting standards of the company, to the manager, on whom the ultimate responsibility and direction of the company rests — all have various daily problems to overcome. If these problems become overwhelming, then it is more likely that you’ll become stressed.
The experience of stress in the workplace is, of course, different for each individual. Some workers can be more affected than others, despite the set of circumstances being exactly the same. What is stressful to one person may not be the same to for another. Other people may become accustomed to the symptoms of stress so that it goes unnoticed to their detriment.
There is no single cause of work-related stress. Sudden unexpected events can produce an element of pressure, which can sometimes lead to stress — but it is usually a gradual accumulation of stressful factors which has the most impact on health.
Signs of stress at work
Work-related stress can manifest itself as physical and emotional health problems, or in altered behaviour at work and at home.
Obvious physical symptoms of stress can include: increased susceptibility to illness; infections; headaches; muscular tension; backache and neck ache; excessive tiredness; sleeping problems; digestive problems; raised heart rate; increased sweating; lower sex drive; skin rashes; and blurred vision.
There may also be emotional and behavioural changes, which can include: feeling that you can’t cope; short-temperedness; feeling tearful; eating when you’re not hungry; losing your appetite; smoking and drinking throughout the day; being unable to concentrate; getting less work done; having poor relationships with colleagues; and a loss of motivation and commitment.
Other indictors of stress that are specific to the workplace can include: eating on the run; rushing tasks; being available to everyone; doing several jobs at once; missing breaks; taking work home with you; and having no time for exercise and relaxation.