Stress has been defined in different ways over the years. Originally, it was conceived of as pressure from the environment, then as strain within the person. Workplace stress is a more common issue than ever.

Stress is the psychological and physical state that results when the resources of the individual are not sufficient to cope with the demands and pressures of the situation. Thus, stress is more likely in some situations than others and in some individuals than others.

Excessive stress can undermine your ability to achieve your goals as an individual or an organisation. For these reasons, it has almost become a part of the job description to learn how to deal with stress at the workplace.

Burnout stats
Working too hard can ruin your motivation and harm your health. Image credit: SHRM.org

What Causes Workplace Stress

The workplace is a major source of pressures which lead to stress, and structural and social resources to counteract stress. Learning how to deal with stress at the workplace is vital.

The workplace factors that have been found to be associated with stress and health risks can be categorised as those to do with the content of work and those to do with the social and organisational context of work.

How to deal with workplace stress featured

Those that are intrinsic to the job include long hours, work overload, time pressure, difficult or complex tasks, lack of breaks, lack of variety, and poor physical work conditions (for example, space, temperature, light).

Additionally, many people experience workplace stress due to bullying.

Unclear work or conflicting roles and boundaries can cause stress, as can having responsibility for people.

The possibilities for job development are important buffers against current stress, with under promotion, lack of training, and job insecurity all being stressful experiences.

There are two other sources of stress or buffers against stress:

  1. Relationships at work,
  2. The organisational culture.

Managers who are critical, demanding, unsupportive, or bullying create stress. A positive social dimension of work and good teamwork reduces it.

An organisational culture of unpaid overtime causes stress. On the other hand, a culture of involving people in decisions, keeping them informed about what is happening in the organisation, and providing good amenities and recreation facilities reduce stress.

Organisational change, especially when inadequate consultation is a huge source of stress. Such changes include mergers, relocation, restructuring or “downsizing”, individual contracts, and redundancies within the organisation.

How to Reduce Stress at Work, What is Stress and Causes of Workplace Stress with Liam O’Neill?

Work-Home Conflict Stress

Increasingly, the demands on the individual in the workplace reach out into the homes and social lives of employees.

Long, uncertain or unsocial hours, working away from home, taking work home, high levels of responsibility, job insecurity, and job relocation all may adversely affect family responsibilities and leisure activities.

This is likely to undermine a good and relaxing quality of life outside work, which is an important buffer against the stress caused by work. In addition, domestic pressures such as childcare responsibilities, financial worries, bereavement, and housing problems may affect a person’s robustness at work.

Thus, a vicious cycle is set up in which the stress caused in either area of one’s life, work or home, spills over and makes coping with the other more difficult.

Women are especially likely to experience these sources of stress, since they still carry more of the burden of childcare and domestic responsibilities than men. In addition, women are concentrated in lower paid, lower status jobs, may often work shifts in order to accommodate domestic responsibilities, and may suffer discrimination and harassment.

Additionally, younger people are more likely to struggle to strike a good work life balance, due to more insecure jobs and more pressure to stand out from their peers.

Workplace stress stats
Young workers are less likely to be satisfied with their work/life balance. Image credit: YouGov

Prevalence of Workplace Stress

According to the American Psychological Association’s (APA) 2017 Stress in America Survey, 77% of workers reported feeling stressed at work at some point in the past month, with 44% reporting feeling stressed “very often” or “almost always.” This pervasiveness of workplace stress highlights its significant impact on individuals and organizations.

Causes of Workplace Stress

The sources of workplace stress can be categorized into three main groups:

  1. Work-related factors: These include factors intrinsic to the job itself, such as demanding workloads, tight deadlines, lack of control over work, and role ambiguity.
  2. Organizational factors: These encompass the broader organizational structure, culture, and management practices, including poor communication, lack of recognition, and lack of support from management.
  3. Personal factors: These refer to individual characteristics and traits that may contribute to stress susceptibility, such as perfectionism, high conscientiousness, and difficulty saying no.

Potential Consequences of Workplace Stress

Workplace stress can manifest in various negative consequences, affecting both individuals and organizations.

Individual Consequences:

  • Physical health: Stress can lead to a range of physical health issues, including headaches, fatigue, sleep problems, increased heart rate, and weakened immune system.
  • mental health: Stress can exacerbate pre-existing mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, and even lead to the development of new mental health problems.
  • Emotional well-being: Stress can negatively impact emotional well-being, leading to feelings of irritability, anger, frustration, and anxiety.
  • Reduced productivity: Stress can impair cognitive function and focus, leading to decreased productivity, increased errors, and poor decision-making.
  • Absenteeism and turnover: High levels of workplace stress can contribute to increased absenteeism and turnover rates, hindering organizational success.

Organizational Consequences:

  • Reduced employee morale and engagement: Stressed employees are less likely to be engaged in their work, leading to decreased job satisfaction and motivation.
  • Increased turnover and hiring costs: High turnover rates can result in significant financial losses due to recruitment, training, and lost productivity.
  • Damaged reputation and brand image: A workplace culture characterized by high stress levels can damage the organization’s reputation and make it difficult to attract top talent.

Combating Workplace Stress

Addressing workplace stress requires a multifaceted approach that involves both individual and organizational strategies.

Individual Strategies:

  • Identifying stressors: Recognizing the specific stressors that contribute to stress is crucial for developing effective coping mechanisms.
  • Prioritization and time management: Learning to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively can help reduce stress associated with overwhelming workloads.
  • Healthy lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep can help buffer against stress.
  • Social support: Nurturing relationships with supportive colleagues and friends can provide a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of isolation.

Organizational Strategies:

  • Workload management: Implementing effective workload management practices can help ensure that employees are not overburdened.
  • Open communication and feedback: Fostering open communication and providing regular feedback can help address issues and reduce uncertainty and anxiety.
  • Supportive management: Managers can play a crucial role in supporting employees by providing mentorship, guidance, and positive reinforcement.
  • Employee wellness initiatives: Offering employee wellness programs, such as stress management workshops, yoga classes, and mental health resources, can promote overall well-being.

By addressing workplace stress at both the individual and organizational levels, we can create healthier, more productive, and more fulfilling work environments for all.

Emotional Wellbeing at Work, Workplace Health, Resilience & Mental Health Awareness with Leigh Carey

Different types of workplace stressors

1. Demanding Workloads:

Excessive workloads, coupled with unrealistic deadlines, can place a significant burden on employees, leading to time pressure, work overload, and burnout. This can hinder productivity, increase errors, and contribute to feelings of inadequacy and frustration.

2. Tight Deadlines:

Short deadlines can create a sense of urgency and pressure, forcing employees to rush through tasks, prioritize inefficient work methods, and overlook quality control. This can lead to increased stress, reduced job satisfaction, and potential errors that may jeopardize project outcomes.

3. Role Ambiguity and Lack of Control:

Unclear job roles, conflicting expectations, and a lack of control over work decisions can contribute to workplace stress. When employees lack clarity about their responsibilities and feel disempowered, they may experience anxiety, frustration, and a sense of helplessness.

4. Conflicts with Colleagues:

Negative interactions with colleagues, such as interpersonal conflicts, communication breakdowns, and a lack of respect, can create a hostile work environment. This can lead to stress, anxiety, and a decrease in job satisfaction.

5. Uncertainty about Job Security:

Uncertainty about job security, due to economic instability, restructuring, or potential layoffs, can cause significant stress for employees. Fear of job loss can lead to anxiety, worry, and a focus on job preservation rather than optimal performance.

6. Poor Communication and Lack of Recognition:

Ineffective communication between managers and employees, as well as a lack of recognition for achievements, can contribute to workplace stress. When employees feel unheard, undervalued, or unsupported, their morale and motivation can decline, leading to increased stress levels. An example of employee recognition could be a simple shout-out, but some employers won’t even do that.

7. Long Hours and Unrealistic Expectations:

Demanding work hours, coupled with unrealistic expectations and a culture of presenteeism, can lead to work-life imbalance and chronic stress. Employees may feel pressured to work overtime, sacrifice personal time, and neglect their well-being to meet unrealistic demands.

8. Lack of Support and Feedback:

Inadequate support from managers and colleagues, as well as a lack of constructive feedback, can hinder employee growth, increase stress, and diminish job satisfaction. When employees feel unsupported and unclear about their performance, they may feel anxious and frustrated.

9. Technological Overload and Digital Distractions:

The constant influx of digital communication, emails, and notifications, combined with the blurring of boundaries between work and personal life, can lead to technology overload and digital distractions. This can disrupt focus, increase stress, and impede productivity.

How to Identify the Causes of Stress

As much as work stress is a common phenomenon, it’s relatively difficult to spot. This is mostly because some of the sufferers experience it on a daily basis, so it became the new normal.

However, there are some usual signs to look out for if you suspect you may be feeling “off” and in turn seek help on how to deal with stress.

1. Relaxation Headaches

Because we became so accustomed to stress that the lack of it would cause actual physical pain. In other words, when you experience a sudden drop in stress levels, you may get a migraine. This is why this kind of headache is often referred to as a “weekend headache”.

2. Sore Jaw

A sore jaw can be a sign of teeth grinding, which usually occurs during sleep and can be worsened when you’re stressed out. Ask your dentist about a nighttime mouth guard—up to 70% of people who use one reduce or stop grinding altogether.

Of course, this isn’t exactly a way to deal with stress, but it does alleviate a serious symptom.

3. Nightmares

Dreams usually get progressively more positive as you sleep, so you wake up in a better mood than you were in when you went to bed. But when you’re stressed, you wake up more often, disrupting this process and allowing unpleasant imagery to recur all night.

4. Bleeding Gums

According to a Brazilian analysis of 14 past studies, stressed-out people have a higher risk of periodontal disease. Chronically elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol may impair the immune system and allow bacteria to invade the gums, say researchers.

5. Acne

Stress increases the inflammation that leads to breakouts and adult acne.

Smoothen your skin with a lotion containing skin-sloughing salicylic acid or bacteria-busting benzoyl peroxide, plus a moisturizer so skin won’t get too dry. If your stressed-out skin doesn’t respond to treatment within a few weeks, see your doctor for more potent meds.

6. Itchiness

A Japanese study of more than 2,000 people found that those with chronic itch (known as pruritus) were twice as likely to be stressed out as those without the condition.

Although an annoying itch problem can certainly cause stress, experts say it’s likely that feeling anxious or tense also aggravates underlying conditions like dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis.

7. Stomachaches

Anxiety and stress can cause stomach aches, along with headaches, backaches, and insomnia.

One study of 1,953 men and women found that those experiencing the highest levels of stress were more than three times as likely to have abdominal pain as their more-relaxed counterparts.

The exact connection is still unclear, but one theory holds that the intestines and the brain share nerve pathways; when the mind reacts to stress, the intestines pick up the same signal.

Workplace Health and Wellness Tips with Vivian McKinnon | Workplace Wellness Ideas | Health Tips

How to Deal with Stress in the Workplace

Workers today are intruded on seven times an hour and diverted up to 2.1 hours per day. Also, four out of 10 individuals are encountering insecure working conditions, and along these lines confronting uncertainty about their fates.

This might be the reason over 40% of grown-ups say they lie awake at night tormented by the unpleasant occasions of the day. All these statistics indicate the imminent need to learn how to deal with stress.

However, there are a number of ways to deal with stress:

Dealing with workplace stress stats
Spending time with family and friends is the most popular way to deal with workplace stress. Image credit: Vox

Track Your Stressors

Keep a diary for up to 14 days to distinguish which circumstances make the most pressure and how you react to them.

Record your considerations, emotions and data about the earth, including the general population and conditions included, the physical setting and how you responded. Did you raise your voice? Get a nibble from the candy machine? Go for a walk?

Taking notes can enable you to discover designs among your stressors and your responses to them.

Develop Good Habits

Rather than endeavoring to battle worry with fast food or liquor, do your best to settle on solid decisions when you feel the pressure rise. Exercise is an extraordinary pressure buster. Yoga can be a phenomenal decision. However, any type of physical movement is beneficial.

Additionally, set aside a few minutes for diversions and hobbies. Regardless of whether it’s perusing a novel, going to shows or playing recreations with your family. Make a point to set aside time for the things that bring you joy.

Getting enough quality rest is also imperative. Fabricate solid rest habits by restricting your caffeine intake late in the day and limiting difficult activities, for example, PC and TV use, at night.

SEE ALSO: Productivity Apps: What Can They Do For You?

Establish Limits

In the present advanced world, it’s common to feel strain to be accessible 24 hours per day. Build up some work-life limits for yourself. That may mean ignoring your emails home at night, or not picking up the telephone during dinner.

In spite of the fact that individuals have their own preferences with regards to the amount they mix their work and home life, making some reasonable limits between these domains can decrease the potential for work-life strife and the stress that runs with it.

Take Time to Energize

To keep away from the negative impacts of endless pressure and burnout, we require time to renew and refresh. This recuperation procedure requires “turning off” from work by having time when you aren’t even thinking about work.

That is the reason it’s important that you disengage every now and then, in a way that fits your requirements and responsibilities.

Whenever possible, take time to unwind and loosen up. You’ll return to work feeling revived and prepared to take care of business.

Learn How to Unwind

Begin by taking a couple of minutes every day to focus on a straightforward action like breathing, strolling or enjoying a meal.

The ability of having the capacity to center deliberately around a solitary movement without diversion will get more grounded with training and you’ll see that you can apply it to a wide range of parts of your life.

Talk to Your Boss

A great manager is life changing. Leaders who know how to support and motivate their employees are much less stressful than micromanagers or yellers. If you’re feeling stressed at work, sometimes a chat with your boss is the answer.

This is in everyone’s interest. Employers have an incentive to reduce stress in the workplace, as this means that their employees will be better equipped to do their jobs.

Get Some Help

Seeking help from trusted loved ones can enhance your capacity to overcome the pressures of daily life.

In the event that you keep on feeling overwhelmed by work pressure, you might want to speak to a professional, who can help you to deal with stress. Alternatively, if your stress is caused by your working conditions, you might want to speak to a union representative.

Reach Out to Others

Work related stress is a big deal, and causes serious problems. These can be both physical and psychological. Learning how to deal with stress both at work and at home, has become a necessity rather than a handy skill.

Next time you’re in the office, look around, look at your workmates, one or some of them can be suffering and don’t know how to deal with stress. Don’t stop at just coping, help others, reach out if even by sharing a simple article on the matter.

The impact of workplace stress on physical and mental health

Physical Health Effects:

  1. Chronic Fatigue: Stress can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to chronic fatigue that can impair concentration, memory, and overall well-being.
  2. Impaired Immunity: Stress hormones can suppress the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to illness and infections.
  3. Digestive Problems: Stress can contribute to digestive issues such as heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome.
  4. Muscle Tension and Headaches: Chronic stress can lead to muscle tension, headaches, and other musculoskeletal pain.
  5. Cardiovascular Issues: Stress can increase heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels, raising the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.

Mental Health Effects:

  1. Anxiety and Depression: Chronic stress can exacerbate pre-existing anxiety and depression, and even lead to the development of new mental health conditions.
  2. Irritability and Mood Swings: Stress can cause mood swings, irritability, and increased sensitivity.
  3. Difficulty Focusing and Remembering: Chronic stress can impair cognitive function, making it difficult to focus, concentrate, and remember information.
  4. Reduced Productivity and Creativity: Stress can hinder productivity, reduce creativity, and lead to missed deadlines and poor decision-making.

Proactive Stress Management Strategies:

  1. Identifying Stressors: The first step in managing stress is to identify the specific stressors that are causing you to feel overwhelmed. This can help you develop targeted coping mechanisms.
  2. Prioritization and Time Management: Learn to prioritize tasks, set realistic deadlines, and manage your time effectively to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
  3. Healthy Habits: A healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep, can help buffer against stress and promote overall well-being.
  4. Relaxation Techniques: Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to calm your mind and body.
  5. Social Support: Nurture relationships with supportive colleagues, friends, and family members to provide a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of isolation.
  6. Seeking Support When Needed: If stress is significantly impacting your life, don’t hesitate to seek professional help from a therapist or counselor.

Workplace Stress FAQ

Q: What are the most common workplace stressors?

The most common workplace stressors include demanding workloads, tight deadlines, role ambiguity, conflicts with colleagues, uncertainty about job security, poor communication, lack of recognition, long hours, and technological overload.

Q: What are the physical and mental health effects of workplace stress?

Workplace stress can have a significant impact on both physical and mental health. Physically, it can lead to chronic fatigue, impaired immunity, digestive problems, muscle tension, and cardiovascular issues. Mentally, it can lead to anxiety, depression, irritability, difficulty focusing, and reduced productivity.

Q: What are some proactive stress management strategies?

Some proactive stress management strategies include identifying stressors, prioritizing and managing time effectively, adopting healthy lifestyle habits, practicing relaxation techniques, seeking social support, and seeking professional help when needed.

Q: How can organizations help reduce workplace stress?

Organizations can help reduce workplace stress by promoting open communication, providing support and feedback, offering stress management resources, fostering a positive work environment, and encouraging work-life balance.

Conquering Workplace Stress: How Group Fitness Classes Can Be Your Secret Weapon

Workplace stress is a modern-day monster, lurking in overflowing inboxes, looming deadlines, and endless meetings. It zaps energy, hinders productivity, and can even wreak havoc on our physical and mental health. But fear not, weary warriors of the cubicle jungle! There’s a potent weapon in your arsenal, one that combines endorphin-pumping exercise, the power of social connection, and a healthy dose of fun: group fitness classes.

Stress by the Numbers: A Grim Picture

  • A whopping 72% of American workers experience stress at work, according to the American Institute of Stress.
  • Work-related stress costs US businesses an estimated $300 billion annually in lost productivity and absenteeism.
  • Chronic stress is linked to a myriad of health problems, including heart disease, obesity, and depression.

Enter the Group Fitness Arena: Your Stress-Slaying Sanctuary

Swapping spreadsheets for squats might sound unorthodox, but hear me out. Group fitness classes offer a unique blend of benefits that can effectively combat workplace stress:

  • Stress Relief: Exercise is a well-known stressbuster, and group classes take it up a notch. The rhythmic movements, energetic atmosphere, and focus on physical exertion provide a powerful outlet for pent-up tension. Studies have shown that group exercise can significantly reduce levels of cortisol, the “stress hormone.”
  • Social Support: Feeling isolated and unsupported at work? Group fitness classes offer a chance to connect with colleagues in a casual, non-work setting. The shared experience fosters camaraderie, builds empathy, and creates a sense of belonging, all of which can buffer against the negative effects of work stress.
  • Motivation and Accountability: Let’s face it, sticking to a solo workout routine can be tough. Group classes provide the social pressure (in a good way!) and camaraderie that can keep you motivated and accountable. Seeing your fellow classmates pushing themselves can inspire you to do the same, and the group setting makes it less likely you’ll skip a class.
  • Variety and Fun: Boredom is the enemy of any fitness routine, and group classes offer an antidote. With a vast array of class types available, from high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to Zumba to mindful yoga, there’s something for everyone. This variety keeps things fresh and exciting, making exercise more enjoyable and sustainable. Hence do look for a gym with group classes for the ultimate flexible fix.

Beyond the Physical: The Mental and Emotional Edge of Group Fitness

The benefits of group fitness classes extend far beyond sculpted abs and toned muscles. Regular participation can also:

  • Boost self-confidence and self-esteem
  • Improve cognitive function and memory
  • Enhance mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression
  • Promote better sleep quality

Making Group Fitness Work for You: From Skeptic to Stress Slayer

Convinced of the power of group fitness, but not sure where to start? Here are some tips to make it work for you:

  • Find your fit: Explore different class types and studios to discover what you enjoy. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try something new.
  • Schedule it in: Treat your workout classes like important appointments. Block out the time in your calendar and stick to it.
  • Embrace the newbie: Most group fitness classes are welcoming and inclusive. Don’t worry about being the “least fit” person in the room – everyone starts somewhere!
  • Buddy up: Enlist a colleague or friend to join you. Having a workout buddy can make the experience more enjoyable and provide extra motivation.
  • Focus on the fun: Remember, exercise should be enjoyable! Let loose, have fun, and celebrate your progress, no matter how small.

Transforming Your Workplace Wellness: Group Fitness as a Company Culture

Organizations serious about employee well-being can leverage the power of group fitness by:

  • Offering on-site or subsidized gym memberships with group class options.
  • Organizing team-building activities centered around fitness classes.
  • Hosting lunchtime or after-work fitness sessions for employees.
  • Recognizing and celebrating employees who prioritize their physical and mental health.

By investing in employee well-being through group fitness initiatives, companies can reap a multitude of benefits, including:

  • Reduced absenteeism and presenteeism (working while sick)
  • Improved employee morale and engagement
  • Enhanced creativity and productivity
  • Lower healthcare costs

The Takeaway: From Stressed to Strong, One Class at a Time

Workplace stress may be a formidable foe, but it’s not invincible. By incorporating group fitness classes into your routine, you can equip yourself with a powerful weapon – one that not only strengthens your body but also uplifts your mind and fosters meaningful connections. So, lace up your sneakers, grab your water bottle, and step into the arena

Workplace Stress Conclusion

Workplace stress is a pervasive issue with far-reaching consequences for both individuals and organizations. Individuals can effectively manage stress and improve their overall well-being by understanding the different types of workplace stressors, recognizing the impact of stress on physical and mental health, and implementing proactive stress management strategies.

Organizations also play a crucial role in promoting workplace well-being by creating a supportive environment that encourages work-life balance and provides resources for stress management. By addressing workplace stress proactively, we can create a healthier and more productive work environment for all.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *