Excessive work stress can affect the mental and physical health of the worker and also the productivity of the organization. Read the article below to learn more on work stress.

Work Stress

A typical workday consists of trying to manage multiple tasks within a certain time period. In the process, you have to keep your boss and the client happy. This requires that you go around the task at a whirlwind speed. Everything is fine when the work suits you, and it is done in time. However, in most cases it always happens that the workload is always far greater than the time allotted. On top of that, you have to contend with discontent among your colleagues, a sarcastic and unappreciative boss, and a work profile that is not too appealing. Still you carry on, and at the end of the day, which in most cases is when others have gone to sleep that you are left with a throbbing head, restlessness, and unable to get any sleep. You also tend to snap at every living thing in sight. This is when work for you becomes a war, and the office the war zone. For many people the work itself is a cause of stress. However, for the majority, the stress gradually builds up at the work place. Work stress is now considered to be a disorder that is caused by the conditions and situations at the work place. No doubt, it has a very negative impact on the worker’s performance. Stress at work is a fairly recent phenomenon brought about by the drastic change in the lifestyle. If your talent and resources don’t tally with your job demands, then it can lead to a lot of stress that will ultimately affect both the physical and mental health. Read below to know more on the causes, symptoms, and prevention of work stress.
 
Causes, Symptoms, And Prevention Of Work Stress
 
Causes
  • When the work starts becoming monotonous because of the lack of variety then over a period of time it leads to stress. The feeling of doing meaningless task, which is under-stimulating, contributes towards stress.
  • Even too much of work or too less of work can contribute towards stress.
  • Strict deadlines are another cause. Failing to cope up with the time pressures builds up a lot of stress.
  • If the working schedules are strict and inflexible which gives you a lot of inconvenience then in time it can lead to stress. Even long hours can cause a lot of stress especially if the shift is badly designed.
  • Sometimes the feeling of being left out from the decision making process is also a factor for stress in the workplace.
  • Another leading cause is the job insecurity. This is the major cause of stress in times of economic crisis when no one has any idea of who is going to face the axe.
  • In addition, the constant worry of hike or lack of promotion can cause stress. If the performance at office is undervalued then it can lead to stress.
  • Office politics, bullying and harassment is also a major cause of stress at the workplace. When the relationship with the co-workers is strained then it causes stress. 
Symptoms
  • The most common symptom is that the person becomes extremely irritable. The person tends to snap at everyone and continuously stays distressed.
  • Another symptom is the inability to focus on anything. This loss of concentration is heightened more by the inability to relax.
  • In severe cases, the stress at work place can also result in difficulty in thinking and reasoning logically. Even decision making is also quite difficult.
  • Work performance goes down because of less commitment.
  • Loss of sleep or waking up frequently during sleep is another symptom.
  • Work stress also results in tiredness, depression, and anxiousness.
  • The physical symptoms are digestive disorders, headaches, high blood pressure, legs and low back pain and heart disease. 
Prevention
  • Body stress at the workplace can be prevented through ergonomics and proper work design.
  • Accept that change is inevitable and always be prepared for it. This will help in avoiding stress.
  • Energizing and motivating oneself is another method of preventing stress.
  • At the work place, stress can be reduced if you practice breathing exercises. Sit straight on the chair and relax your muscles and nerves. Close your eyes and try to calm your mind.

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