What is “Job Stress?”

 

Stress is a concept that is known to engineers ,Doctors, and no doubt many others including managers: each group will come up with its Owen definitions of what constitutes stress, but there is no universal easily accessible definition . In the world of management it is probably easiest to think of stress as being present when as individual has “more than he can cope with”.

As stated by the Canadian Mental Health Association:

“Stress is a reaction to a situation – it isn't about the actual situation. We usually feel stressed when we think that the demands of the situation are greater than our resources to deal with that situation. For example, someone who feels comfortable speaking in public may not worry about giving a presentation, while someone who isn't confident in their skills may feel a lot of stress about an upcoming presentation. Common sources of stress may include major life events, like moving or changing jobs. Long-term worries, like a long-term illness or parenting, can also feel stressful. Even daily hassles like dealing with traffic can be a source of stress.”

From: “Stress”, Canadian Mental Health Association, 2018

It may also be sensible to recognize that “stress “and “Pressure” are not synonymous. It is not unusual for the criteria for selection for a job to include “An ability to work under pressure “but they are unlikely to require an “An ability to work under stress”. In this sense “Pressure” is positive whereas “stress “has only negative connotations .That having been said, working for long periods under relentless pressure may be successful.

What Is Job Stress?

Job stress can be defined as 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 can lead to poor health and even injury.

 

The concept of job stress is often confused with challenge, but these concepts are not the same. Challenge energizes us psychologically and physically, and it motivates us to learn new skills and master our jobs. When a challenge is met, we feel relaxed and satisfied. Thus, challenge is an important ingredient for healthy and productive work. The importance of challenge in our work lives is probably what people are referring to when they say “a little bit of stress is good for you.

What are the Causes of Job Stress?

Nearly everyone agrees that job stress results from the interaction of the worker and the conditions of work. Views differ, however, on the importance of worker characteristics versus working conditions as the primary cause of job stress. These differing viewpoints are important because they suggest different ways to prevent stress at work.

Work stress

Below are some sources of occupational stress:

• Negative workload.
• A working environment that is toxic.
• Harassment.
• Bullying by colleagues, managers, supervisors, or directors.
• Difficult relationships with colleagues and/or administrators.
• Career development obstacles or barriers.
• Role ambiguity and role conflict.
• Number of working hours.
• Financial pressures.

Occupational stress – cancer

·         A team of researchers in China found that stress in the workplace can increase the risk of developing some cancers.

·         They examined data on 280,000 men and women in North America and Europe. Work stress raises the risk of developing colorectal, esophagus, and lung cancers, they found.

·         They found no link, however, between occupational stress and prostate, ovarian, and breast cancer risk.

Occupational stress – cardiovascular disease

·         In 2015, two researchers at University College London gathered and analyzed data on 600,000 adult males and females from 27 cohort studies in Japan, the USA, and Europe. They found that work stress and long working hours were associated with a moderately high risk of incident coronary heart disease and stroke.

·         In the journal Current Cardiology Reports, they wrote:

·         “This review of evidence from over 600,000 men and women from 27 cohort studies in Europe, the USA and Japan suggests that work stressors, such as job strain and long working hours, are associated with a moderately elevated risk of incident coronary heart disease and stroke.”

·         “The excess risk for exposed individuals is 10-40 % compared with those free of such stressors.”

 

Managing Stress: Good for Your Health

Veterans Health Administration

Reference:

The National Institute for occupational Safety and Health ( NIOSH)-Publications-Stress at work

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Public Health Service Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

Market Business News. https://marketbusinessnews.com/financial-glossary/work-stress/