Addressing Job Stress and Health Issues

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There are jobs that can really drive you nuts –literally! Job stress and health are interconnected. This type of stress can take a huge toll on your body and your emotions. This can lead to depression and poor health. But what is it really? What causes it?

Job stress results when the capabilities or resources of the worker do not meet the job requirements. This also results when the needs of the worker are not met. Sometimes, workers are met with challenges. Challenges, however, cannot be confused with this type of stress. Challenges can motivate people to reach beyond what they think they are only capable of. Often, when people meet their work challenges and they succeed, they feel happy and satisfied.

This is not the case, however, when workers are faced with situations or expectations that are really too much for them to handle. Job stress and health do not go well together. When faced with unreasonable work demands, the body caves in. You would often hear of people complaining of exhaustion and dissatisfaction with work.

What are the Causes of the Job Stress?

Personal deficiencies. Sometimes, job stress results when the worker is incapable of meeting the needs and conditions of his or her job. He or she may not be capable of coping with the stress relating to his or her job. The worker’s personality may not fit the work needs as well. In such a case, it is recommended that appropriate strategies be adopted in order to help the worker cope with the needs and demands of his or her work.
Extremely stressful work conditions. Oftentimes, the work conditions are too stressful for most people. The workload can be huge. Expectations can be too much. In this case, it is the work condition itself that causes the job stress. It is recommended that job condition modifications be adopted in order to help the worker deal with stress. But what are these conditions that can potentially cause headache to any worker?
Poor management style. Workers need to be involved with the operation of the business. They appreciate being informed of operational decisions and changes. They need to participate in decision making. They need to be in communication with the management. Management styles that deprive them of these needs cause stress.
Work design. Workers need to take coffee breaks or lunch breaks. They cannot cope with continuous long work hours. Routine tasks can result to dissatisfaction, restlessness and boredom. They need to have their skills utilize. They need to be challenge. Task designs that deprive them of these needs will ultimately result to job stress.
Poor work environment. People need to be able to interact socially even at work. They need to create interpersonal relationships with people they constantly interact with. They need support from their co-employees and superiors. They need to work in an environment that allows them to grow socially.
Career promise. Workers need to have security. They want opportunities for advancement. They need these things available to them. A dead-end job can cause severe dissatisfaction and boredom. Ultimately, this can lead to huge stress.

How to Resolve Job Stress

Job stress and health are major concerns of employers. Stressful working conditions, despite common belief, are not necessary for productivity. Applying pressure on employees does not mean getting the most out of them. In order to be productive, the management should keep stress at minimum levels. Otherwise, employers will have to deal with frequent absenteeism, tardiness and dissatisfaction from their employees. Of course, this will have a huge impact on the company’s bottom line.

Accordingly setting up job stress and health policies will help resolve the problem. This will also significantly benefit the company in the long run. Its workers will be competitive in the marketplace. So, what can the company do in order to help a stress-free work environment?

Appropriate organization change must be implemented.
Stress management policies should also be set up.
Employees must be recognized for good work performance. They should be given opportunities that can help in their professional growth and development.
Policies that give value to each and every worker must be recognized and set up. The management must consistently promote appropriate measures and values.
Workers must be given responsibilities and duties that are in line with their knowledge, capabilities and resources.
Jobs should be challenging not draining. There should be clear delineation of responsibilities. The roles and responsibilities must be clearly defined.
Workers must be given the opportunity to participate in decision making. They must be informed of changes and actions that could affect them and their jobs.
Strong and secure communication system must be in place.
Uncertainties about career opportunities, prospects and development must be responded to.
Provide opportunities for interactions among employees.

Job stress and health are important issues that should be addressed by the employer or the management. Stress should be minimized or altogether eliminated if possible.

About the Author

Matthew Goudge - Visit Website
Australian Chef- Matthew Goudge is the mastermind behind the formation of the chef21blog platform. Since the initial humble beginnings Chef Matthew has been dedicated to creating this very network. Chef Matthew has been in the culinary field for a mere 21 years. He has worked in numerous locations including; Australia, Austria, England, Malaysia, China and St Lucia. Matthew’s first steps in the field of article writing began at the tender age of nineteen; whereby he contributed a weekly story for a local newspaper in coastal New South Wales, Australia.

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Posted on Tuesday, December 29, 2009 at 1:38 am
Filed under Healthy Living, Lifestyle · Tagged with job stress and health