Stress And Work

No matter what industry you work in, stress at work can be a very real and overwhelming experience. The amount of employees suffering from stress and stress-related illnesses is rapidly rising. Longer hours of work, low hourly rates of pay, under-staffing, bullying and job insecurity all have some effect on most people's health, while people at the lower end of the job hierarchy are, as ever, disproportionately affected.

More than half (53%) of people in work have suffered stress in the past 12 months, while one in four people had taken time off sick through stress in the previous year, according to the latest survey by the International Stress Management Association found.

Many of us find ways of coping with these work strains but the pressure can easily get too much. One in five people – an estimated five million workers – is 'very' or 'extremely' stressed at work, according to research by the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) in 2000. The organisation estimates that this stress toll leads to roughly 6.7 million lost working days each year, costing companies and society up to £3.8 million.

The HSE found that workers who reported being very stressed had a range of health and behaviour problems, highlighting the clear links between high stress scores and adverse working conditions.

Causes of stress in the workplace

Stress caused by work is the second biggest occupational health problem in Britain , second only to back problems. Employees across the country are often reluctant to seek help in case they're seen as unable to cope, especially male workers.

There are many situations that can lead to stress at work. These include:

• Poor relationships with fellow colleagues and other members of staff
• Lack of consultation and communication
• Poor working conditions
• Having an unsupportive boss
• Too much pressure – unrealistic deadlines
• Work that's too difficult or not demanding enough
• Lack of responsibility in the workplace
• Jon insecurity and the threat of unemployment
• Bullying, racial or sexual harassment
• Feeling undervalued
• Too much interference with your private, social or family life
  
  

As the pressure mounts at a workplace, people tend to work even harder to try to close the gap between what they're achieving and what they think they should be achieving, and as a result, stop taking breaks and neglect their own needs.

Tackling work stress

There are some simple steps that cab taken to help ensure stress levels are kept to a minimum at work. These include:

Work in general:

• Work regular hours and take all the breaks and holidays that you are entitled to.
• Talking helps - Talk to someone you trust, either at work or outside, about the things that are upsetting you.
• Use whatever counselling or support is available at the workplace.
• If you start to feel overwhelmed, book a day off or a long weekend and use it to relax and unwind.
• Tackle any addictions to alcohol, smoking or drugs.
• use flexitime, if available, to avoid rush-hour travel or to fit in with childcare needs
• Keep your body in good health by exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet.
  

At work:

• Make your work environment as comfortable as possible and suited to your needs.
• Discuss any problems that you feel you have with your supervisor or manager, and if difficulties can't be resolved, talk to your personnel department, trade union representative or other relevant members of staff.
  
  
• Be aware of company policies on harassment, bullying and racism, so that you know how to challenge unacceptable behaviour and what help can be provided if necessary.
• Remember to treat colleagues with the same respect and consideration that you'd expect to receive.