Rising workplace stress is a large albatross hanging around the
necks of workers and employers. According to recent studies of the
subject by the U.S. Department of Labor, the American Psychological
Association, Yankelovich Monitor and CCH Inc., there was a 20.3 percent
increase in job absences caused by anxiety, stress and neurotic
disorders. Stress affects morale, productivity and safety. Developing a
healthy workplace can pay off in reversing this trend. Inviting
employees to have a say about their work environment in an honest and
open fashion can change the workplace culture and reduce stress. Other
successful management practices include improving communication,
increasing staff members’ decision making, offering flexible job
scheduling, encouraging breaks and working in team toward a common
goal, and leadership and professional development opportunities.
Providing such services as language classes, child care, onsite flu
shots or health screening, and tuition reimbursement programs also help
balance work–life issues thus reducing stress. One winner of APA’s 2003
Best Practice award allows injured employees time to recuperate and
helps them ease back into work by doing light-duty work at community
nonprofit organizations—all while receiving their normal compensation.
Another offered three months’ notice and job placement services to
employees affected by layoffs.
Hazards Associated With Workplace Stress
Workplace Stress Defined
Workplace stress can be defined as the harmful physical and emotional responses that occur when the requirements of the job do not match the capabilities, resources, or needs of the employee or volunteer. Workplace stress results from the interaction of the staff member and the conditions of work. Views differ, however, on the importance of the individual characteristics versus working conditions as the primary cause of job stress. Differences in such individual characteristics as personality and coping style are most important in predicting whether certain job conditions will result in stress—in other words, what is stressful for one person may not be a problem for someone else. Other factors to consider in workplace stress include the design of tasks, autocratic management style, work roles, job insecurity or such difficult environmental conditions as noisy or dangerous working conditions.Hazards Associated With Workplace Stress
Workplace stress can have physiological effects, which include
headache, sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, digestive
problems and depression, on employees and volunteers. The effects of
job stress on chronic diseases are more difficult to see because
chronic diseases take a long time to develop and can be influenced by
many factors other than stress. Nonetheless, evidence is rapidly
accumulating to suggest that stress plays an important role in several
types of chronic health problems—especially cardiovascular disease,
musculoskeletal disorders, and psychological disorders. Lack of
concentration or stress reaction can lead to workplace injuries.
Dealing with workplace stress should encompass the staff member and
the job. The person should have the opportunity to participate in such
wellness programs as stress reduction, exercise, and weight maintenance.
By ensuring that the workload is in line with each staff member’s
capabilities and resources, the level of frustration that a person
feels could be reduced. Design jobs to provide meaning, stimulation,
and opportunities for employees and volunteers to use their skills.
Clearly define staff members’ roles and responsibilities. Give them
opportunities to participate in decisions and actions affecting their
jobs. Try to establish work schedules that are compatible with demands
and responsibilities outside the job.
Job design is also an important factor. Good job design accommodates
a person’s mental and physical abilities. The following job design
guidelines will help minimize or control workplace stress. Where stress
in the workplace is caused, for example, by a physical agent, it is
best to control it at its source. If the workplace is too loud,
implement control measures to deal with the noise wherever possible. If
a person is experiencing pain from repetitive strain, the workstation
can be redesigned to reduce repetitive and strenuous movements.
Teach employees and volunteers to relax by taking several deep
breaths throughout the day, or taking regular stretch breaks.
Stretching is simple enough to do anywhere and takes only a few
seconds. Help individuals take charge of their situations by setting
aside 10 minutes at the beginning of each day to prioritize and
organize their day’s tasks and responsibilities. Encourage them to be
honest with colleagues, but be constructive and make practical
suggestions, and be realistic about what they can change.
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