Stress in the Workplace

            Auburn, Sept. 11, 2003---Stress is a normal part of life. However, 40 percent of workers report that their jobs are either stressful or extremely stressful. One-fourth report their jobs are the major cause of stress in their lives.

            Some stress in the work environment may be good, providing a cutting edge. Many workers tend to be more productive and creative when working under some tension.  However, when creative tension begins to cause physical and emotional problems, then workers need to take stock of what is happening and make some changes.  (More...)

            “It is important to know what job stress is,” says Dr. Jacquelyn P. Robinson, a workforce development specialist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

            According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health,  job stress is  "the harmful physical and emotional responses that occur when the requirements of the job do not match the capabilities, resources or needs of the worker, leading to poor health and injury. "

            “In other words, stress occurs when the demands of the job exceed the ability of the worker, which may lead to physical and emotional problems,” says Robinson.

            Some individual and situational factors, such as caring for a chronically ill family member, further increase the likelihood of injury or illness, while other factors, such as finding a balance between work and family, may minimize the effects of stressful working conditions.

            It is important to understand the conditions leading to job stress.  Here are some conditions that may create stress:

• Design of tasks—heavy workload, infrequent breaks, long hours and repetitive tasks
• Management style—no voice in decision-making, poor organizational communications and lack of family friendly policies
• Interpersonal relationships—isolation, lack of support from coworkers and supervisors
• Work roles—unclear job expectations, too much responsibility, too little authority
• Career concerns—no opportunity for growth or advancement, lack of preparation for changes
• Environmental conditions—dangerous working conditions

        How do you recognize the early warning signals of job-related stress?  Robinson says says most workers have occasional headaches or have trouble falling asleep.  These are normal for most individuals. Being preoccupied and unable to concentrate occasionally, having an upset stomach, being dissatisfied with your job and lacking confidence or self-esteem may also be stress related

        “If these symptoms become frequent and begin to impair your ability to do your job or function as an individual, they may be stress-related, and help should be sought.”

            Job-related stress doesn’t usually happen all at once.  Stress gradually builds over a period of weeks or months, making it difficult to know exactly when or how it first started. 

Stress is very individualized—what causes stress for one person may motivate another person.  In most work circumstances, there may be little, if anything, that can be done to eliminate stress, but there are steps workers can take to help their reactions to the stressors at the work place.

Source:  Dr. Jacquelyn Robinson, Workforce Development Specialist, Alabama Cooperative Extension System (334) 844-5333.

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