IntroductionToJobStress tcm18-42460

Stress@Work:
An Introduction to Job Stress
What is Job Stress? 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.
Job stress matters to our health and our work. When we feel
stressed, our bodies respond by raising the concentration of stress
hormones in our blood. When our bodies continually respond to Job Stress
constant demands or threats, coping mechanisms stay in overdrive, Signs and Symptoms
which can be damaging to health over time. Research shows that
Headache
excessive job stress can lead to many long-term health problems, Sleep disturbances
including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, weakened immune Upset stomach
function, high blood pressure, musculoskeletal disorders, substance Difficulty concentrating
abuse, depression and anxiety. Some short term signs of job stress Short temper
are listed in the table to the right. Fatigue
Muscle aches and pains
Stressful working conditions can also impact health indirectly by Over- and under-eating
limiting our ability or motivation to participate in other health Chronic mild illness
promoting behaviors such as eating well and exercising. Anxiety, irritability
Depression
Gastrointestinal problems
Angry outbursts
Good Stress vs. Bad Stress Stress is not always bad. Stress in Accidents
the form of a challenge energizes us psychologically and physically, Substance use and abuse
and it motivates us to learn new skills and master our work. When a Isolation from co-workers
challenge is met, we feel relaxed and satisfied. This is good stress or Job dissatisfaction
eustress. However, sometimes a challenge is turned into job Low morale
demands that cannot be met. This is negative stress, or distress, Marital, family problems
which sets the stage for illness, injury, and job failure.
What you need to know about job stress If you work, it is likely that job stress will
affect you at some point during your career. Whether you are an employee or an employer, it is
important to recognize that stress in the workplace can contribute to poor health, which can lead
to lower productivity, absenteeism, and higher healthcare costs. For example:
• Up to 44% of women and 36% of men want to quit their jobs because of workplace stress.
This contributes to unhappiness as well as many negative health effects.
• Healthcare expenditures are nearly 50% greater for workers who report high levels of stress.
• Sixty percent of lost workdays each year can be attributed to stress.
• Job stress is more strongly associated with health complaints than financial or family problems.
http://www.uml.edu/centers/cph-new/job-stress/default.html
Health Effects
Studies of workers show that certain stressful job characteristics, when combined, can be
particularly damaging to long term health. For instance, workers who say their jobs are very
demanding (physically or mentally) and who also say they have little control over job tasks are
more likely to experience health problems such as heart disease and other chronic conditions as
compared with workers in jobs with lower demands and more decision-making opportunities.
“Job strain” is a term that describes the combination of high demands and low control. It is
“job strain” (not just feeling stressed) that is most often linked with serious health problems.
On the positive side, having a demanding job is not

necessarily unhealthy, so long as you have a control over Examples of Work
your work. Jobs with high demands and high control can Organization Stressors
be stimulating and challenging. These kinds of “active” jobs
have been linked to positive health and well-being. Physical stressors
Constant sitting/lack of mobility
Repetitive tasks
What can be done to design healthier jobs? Fast-paced work
Give employees a sense of control over their work and Rotating shifts
Insufficient breaks
opportunities to grow and learn new things. When designing
Poor temperature control
jobs, pay special attention to these aspects of the job: Excessive noise
• Workstations are designed for tasks and injury avoidance Psychosocial stressors
• Tasks are matched with workers' capabilities and resources Unrealistic deadlines
• Roles and responsibilities are clearly defined Sustained, excessive workload
• Job overall has meaning and a variety of tasks Excess overtime
Responsibility without authority
• Workers can use their skills and learn new skills
Job skills not used
• Workers can make decisions affecting their jobs Lack of recognition
• Communication is required between co-workers and in two Poor communication
directions between workers and supervisors Inflexible rules
• There are opportunities for social interaction among workers Lack of input in decisions
• Work schedules are compatible with responsibilities outside Conflicting demands
the job Poor supervision
Poor relations with co-workers
Lack of respect
Dead end jobs (no promotions)
Job insecurity
For more information, tools, and factsheets to address work Favoritism
related stress, visit the University of Massachusetts Lowell Discrimination
Stress@Work website: Racial/sexual harassment
www.uml.edu/centers/cph-new/job-stress/default.html
http://www.uml.edu/centers/cph-new/job-stress/default.html

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Stress@Work:

An Introduction to Job Stress

On the positive side, having a demanding job is not

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