Stress Help Guide

Stress in the workplace can make for a long day, promote physical ailments, reduce performance and can ultimately lead to lost time or a layoff.  Stress in the workplace can be traced to fear.  If not alleviated, the fear can fester and create other problems or it can make existing conditions unbearable.  In order to understand what can be done about stress in the workplace, it is important to examine the conditions that can cause stress in the workplace.

Prevalent causes of stress in the workplace:

Demands on the employees – Often, stress in the workplace can be related to the workload itself.  Many employees may feel that they are not being paid enough to do the work they are required to complete.  Added responsibilities without added pay can also be a contributing factor to stress in the workplace.

Work environment – The environment can also cause stress in the workplace. Poor work conditions can make it difficult to perform tasks in a healthy manner.  Cramped work space, lack of tools, or inadequate sunlight can contribute to stress in the workplace.

Relations with co-workers - Support and interaction with co-workers is important for a healthy work environment, and without it, stress in the workplace can be unbearable.  Dysfunction, poor morale, personal conflicts, and negative reinforcement all lead to a high level of stress at work.

Other causes of stress in the workplace include:  High rate of turnover with staff, poor communication, poor health standards, and long hours are all possible causes of stress at work.

Solutions to stress in the workplace -

Communication is a key factor in alleviating unnecessary stress in the workplace.  If an employer is demanding more than the job requires, then schedule a meeting and discuss the possibility of new terms.  If employees are being treated unfairly at the current work place, then perhaps it may be time to find a place that is more favorable for employees’ needs. There are certain standards that are required by the health department and if those standards are not maintained, then take the necessary steps to make sure changes are made. Taking assertive action can reduce stress, even if change isn’t immediate.  There is no reason why anyone should tolerate being treated unfairly, as the stress of daily life alone is difficult enough. Being assertive raises self-esteem, which can be beneficial for more than simply reducing stress in the workplace.  If there is a serious problem with another co-worker or an unhealthy environment, many employers will be happy to discuss possible solutions; especially if they result in better production.