Stress: The Workplace Headache

Stress: The Workplace Headache

Introduction

Stress is something that can affect anyone with a beating heart. In the workplace, stress can be the biggest determinant in your most prolific employee and the one that just shows up. In a world where the pressures of being perfect hang heavy over our heads it's crucial that managers understand how to deal with this inevitable issue. To be fair managers are under the same stress as their team members however, finding the balance between sanity and achievement is essential. Once managers understand stress and its effects they will have the tools to improve the workplace, improve their employees and improve the bottom line.

Understanding Stress

According to a study done in 2013 by the American Psychological Association, American Institute of Stress, NY, the top 2 causes of stress are work related (American Psychological Association). Job pressure comes in as the number one case of stress. Co-worker tension, dictator bosses and work overload are a real burden to carry around the office on a daily basis. The number two top cause of stress is money. This is why the deadly cycle of money troubles and job pressure help contribute to the 43% of all adults who suffer adverse health effects from stress (The Effects of Stress on Your Body). Stress has become a problem that no employer should ignore. In fact, The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) now categorize stress as a hazard of the workplace. Notably, stress as a health issue, costs American industry $300 billion annually (The Effects of Stress on Your Body). Here is a full list of statistics for the impacts of stress.

1. Percent who said stress has caused them to fight with people close to them - 54%

2. Percent who cited jobs interfering with their family or personal time as a significant source of stress - 35%

3. Employed adults who say they have difficulty managing work and family responsibilities - 31%

4. Percent who say they are "always" or "often" under stress at work - 30%

Types of Stress

When trying to understand stress it's pivotal to consider that there are at least 3 types of different stress. Each type carries its own associated physical and mental health risks (National Institute of Mental Health). Also, not all individuals will exhibit signs and symptoms in the same manner.

1. Routine: Routine stress is often related to the normal everyday pressures of work and home responsibilities

2. Sudden Change: This type of stress is brought on by a sudden negative change such as the loss of a job or divorce

3. Traumatic: Traumatic stress may be the result of a traumatic experience such as an assault, natural disaster or even a major accident. This form of stress has been known to result or be associated with the onset of PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Effects of Stress

Those who rarely suffer from stress may not realize just how debilitating it can be. Referring to the American Psychological Association study, those who experience stress have a variety of symptoms.

* Fatigue - 51% of all subjects

* Headaches - 44% of all subjects

* Upset Stomach - 34% of all subjects

* Muscle Tension - 30% of all subjects

Furthermore managers need to acknowledge that stress isn't always about what they or even the sufferer can see. Sometimes symptoms are psychological and even harder to treat than simply taking a pill.

* Irritability or Anger - 50% of all subjects

* Feeling Nervous - 45% of all subjects

* Lack of Energy - 45% of all subjects

* Feeling As Though You Could Cry - 35% of all subjects

Stress Management:

Whether in the work place or at home, knowing how to manage this problem can be a life saver. Statistics show that 48% of all stress suffers experience a negative impact on both