What is Work related stress?
HSE’s definition of work related stress is “The adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demand placed on them at work.”
Even though stress is not an illness it can lead to mental and physical illness if not dealt with. Work related stress develops because a person is unable to cope with the demands being placed on them. Work related stress is linked with high levels of sickness absence, staff turnover and other issues such as more errors.
Common causes of Workplace stress
- Not knowing if there job is safe – Could be laid off.
- Working loads of overtime – Not having enough time at home relaxing away from work.
- Pressure to perform to meet rising expectations but with no increase in job satisfaction.
- Pressure to work at high levels all the time.
Work related stress symptoms
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or depressed
- Apathy, loss of interest in work
- Problems sleeping
- Fatigue
- Trouble concentrating
- Muscle tension or headaches
- Stomach problems
- Social withdrawal
- Loss of sex drive
- Using alcohol or drugs to cope
Tips on how to reduce Work related stress
- Dont Worry all the time – Worrying about the next day at work? busy schedule? Take your workload one step at a time. Dont try to rush everything, you can always do some tasks the next day.
- Positive thinking – Positive vibes streaming through your brain about your work, avoid negative-thinking co-workers, feel good when you complete a task.
- Humor – Of course take your job serious but also have some fun while doing it . Share some jokes while working with your colleagues.
- Get a Life – Dont let your work life take completely over you! Go out socializing with your friends, release some of that steam on a night out or simply pop over your parents house for a cup of tea.
- Music – Stress can be released from simply listening to your favourite music. In some jobs you can have some music in the background while working or simply put your favourite record on in your house.
- A good nights sleep! – Get around 8-10 hours of sleep everyday so your body and mind are fully recharged. Have a good regular sleeping pattern which means don’t go to bed too late if you have to be up early for work. Dont drink caffeine or alcohol before bedtime, this will keep you awake and make it much harder to fall asleep.
- Exercise – Give yourself more energy by exercising. Take small steps and don’t do excessive amounts of exercise – More energy means you will require less sleep.
- Healthy Eating – Dont miss a meal! Breakfast , lunch, dinner , supper. Breakfast can give you energy to crack on with the day ahead so make sure you don’t miss it. Have smaller amount meals spread throughout the day. Eating healthy will certainly lower your stress level.
- Learn how managers or employers can reduce job stress – Speak to your colleagues about your problems. You never know other workers could be suffering from stress. Its your managers duty to make sure your happy in your work so you can go to them for advice.
- Try to Avoid nicotine, alcohol, caffeine and refined sugar products –These stimulants will not calm you down at all. They will in fact make you feel worse and make you panic more. Instead keep yourself well hydrated with plenty of water.
Work related stress harms workers performance levels , so keeping a happy worker is essential for employers.