In many respects, having a job enhances one’s health and outlook on life. However, many people experience such high levels of stress at work that it surpasses any potential advantages and even endangers their health. When a worker’s abilities, resources, or needs are not met by the demands of their job, job stress results, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health in the United States. Stress at work can also result in ill health and even harm.
Numerous employees claim to experience work-related stress in their professions, which negatively affects their performance and health. According to a recent survey by Northwestern National Life, 40% of employees said their jobs were extremely stressful. Another survey conducted by Yale University found that 29% of workers felt extremely stressed out because of their jobs.
Stress levels differ between occupations and demographic groupings. Stress is more likely to affect some workers than others. According to studies, those in lower-skilled positions, women, and younger workers are particularly at risk of developing issues from workplace stress. Casual full-time employees are most at risk for workplace stress since they are likely to have the least control over their jobs and face the highest expectations.
Stress at Work and Its Effects
There are two types of workplace stressors: physical and mental. Physical stressors include things like noise, inadequate lighting, an uncomfortable workspace, and ergonomic issues like poor posture while working.
The most common sources of stress are probably psychosocial stressors. High job demands, rigid work schedules, poor job supervision, poor work design and structure, bullying and harassment, and job insecurity are a few of these. Stress at work has negative consequences on employee performance as well as company performance. The impact of stress at work is visible in employees’ behavior, mental health, and physical health.
These impacts start out as distress is brought on by stressors and develop into a continuum. Anxiety and high blood pressure that result from distress raise the risk of coronary heart disease, substance misuse, and anxiety disorders.
Cardiovascular disease and stress have a well-established relationship. According to studies, stress at work increases the risk of cardiovascular events like heart attacks and stroke as well as the precursors to the disease (obesity, high blood cholesterol, and high blood pressure).
A growing body of research has shown that stress at work raises the risk of developing diabetes. Immune system illnesses, musculoskeletal conditions like chronic back pain, and gastrointestinal conditions like irritable bowel syndrome are some other physical health issues connected to professional stress.
The mental health of employees is also negatively impacted by the workplace, with an increased risk of anxiety, burnout, depression, and substance use disorders. Employees who are under stress at work are more prone to indulge in harmful habits including smoking, abusing alcohol and drugs, and eating poorly.
Workplace stress has these associated health impacts, which decrease employee productivity, raise absenteeism and presenteeism, increase the number of days missed from work for medical appointments, and raise healthcare expenses for businesses. Additionally, workplace stress is associated with a greater incidence of accidents, injuries, and turnover, all of which raise administrative costs.
Workplace stress is a subtle, frequently overlooked issue that harms workers’ productivity and health. It has an impact on employees as well as considerably lowering a company’s overall success. To promote a healthier, safer, and more productive workplace, employers should start to address this worrying issue.