Pressure and some level of stress in the workplace are inevitable and can even prove helpful in some instances. However, too much pressure can lead to high levels of work-related stress. This is a growing issue across the globe – one that does not only negatively impact employees but also the organisations in which they work.
However, there are many tactics organisations can implement to ensure their employees are armed with the knowledge and capabilities needed to deal with their jobs and stress. Additionally, there are numerous strategies employees can take advantage of in order to manage their stress levels in a healthy way. In this blog, we explain the phenomenon of work-related stress, symptoms to look out for as well as techniques that organisations and employees can use to reduce work-related stress.
What is workplace stress?
Work-related stress occurs when an employee no longer has the capacity or capability to meet the excessive demands and pressures of their job.
Causes of stress in the workplace
Within the work environment, there are many factors that may contribute to increased stress levels. However, it’s often exacerbated in situations where employees lack support or have little control over their work processes.
Some common causes that lead to work-related stress include:
- Extended work hours
- Harassment or discrimination
- Heavy workload
- Lack of proper resources or equipment
- Poor working conditions
- Job insecurity
- Organisational changes
- Poor work relationships
- Insufficient skills to perform your job
- Boring job content
- Lack of support
- Poor management practices
- Trauma (such as workplace deaths or armed workplace robberies)
Work-related stress symptoms
Symptoms of work-related stress can manifest physically, psychologically or even behaviourally. Having an understanding of these symptoms can help you identify if you, a family member, friend or colleague, is potentially dealing with work-related stress.
Physical signs of work-related stress:
- Muscle tension
- Heart palpitations
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Difficulty sleeping (such as insomnia)
- Dermatological (skin, hair or nail) issues
- Gastrointestinal problems (such as diarrhoea or constipation)
Psychological signs of work-related stress:
- Irritability
- Pessimism
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Overwhelmed
- Cognitive challenges (such as struggling with decision making or concentration)
Behavioural signs of work-related stress:
- Isolation or reclusive behaviour
- Easily frustrated or irritated
- Aggression
- Lower work performance
- Impatient
- Mood swings
- Disinterest
- Increased sick days taken or absenteeism
- Lower levels of creativity
How can employers reduce stress in the workplace?
It’s important for employers to realise that work-related stress impacts employees severely. As an employer, you are responsible for creating a work environment that is conducive to productivity and promotes the health and safety of your employees. Luckily, there are many steps you can take to reduce stress in the workplace.
Steps to reduce work-related stress:
- Provide sufficient training
- Create a safe, pleasant working environment
- Employee a human resource manager
- Create a stress management policy (with the help of employees)
- Encourage workplace wellness (healthy snacks, subsidised gym contracts)
- Offer flexible hours and remote work schemes
- Provide counselling
- Be mindful of your employee and their personal lives
Strategies for managing work-related stress
As an employee, you will likely always experience some level of pressure or stress in your job. That is why finding stress management strategies is imperative to help you deal with your stress in a healthy way.
- Manage your time well
One of the most important things to do in any job is to manage your time well. Organising and prioritising your tasks according to importance or deadline date is a great way to keep track of where you are with your work. On a day-to-day basis, some recommend getting the most difficult tasks out of the way first before moving on to the more enjoyable tasks.
However, managing your time does not only pertain to your workday. Creating free time for yourself every week is also important, as it gives you the opportunity to relax and centre yourself.
- Raise any issues you have promptly
When you feel that your workload is becoming unmanageable, it’s important to voice your concerns to your manager or a member of the HR department. These individuals will be able to help you by providing you with support as well as the right resources and training to manage your stress and do your work well.
- Create a healthy work/life balance
Having a good work/life balance includes making time for yourself as well as taking care of yourself. Scheduling exercise into your daily routine and living a healthy lifestyle are great tools to manage stress.
Resorting to unhealthy coping mechanisms or habits such as alcohol and drugs will not alleviate your stress levels. Instead, it will likely result in additional health problems.
- Visit a counsellor or psychologist
Seeking the advice of a qualified professional is another healthy way to deal with stress. Not only will they be able to provide support and suggestions for coping mechanisms, but they’ll also be able to objectively help you determine whether you should consider changing careers or jobs.
