Occupational stress encompasses the stress experienced by employees in connection with their work. Put simply, it refers to the stress that accumulates within the workplace. The presence of unforeseen responsibilities can act as a trigger for this form of stress. When workers are confronted with pressures for which they lack the requisite training or skills, their capacity to effectively manage stress diminishes.
The terms “work-related stress” and “work stress” are synonymous with occupational stress, denoting the same concept.
Perceived lack of support can contribute to heightened stress levels. Moreover, the degree of control an employee possesses over work processes directly influences the level of occupational stress experienced.
Occupational stress – managing it
Effective stress management is of utmost importance within the workplace, as emphasized by the reputable British mental health charity MIND. Individuals who regularly encounter elevated levels of work-related stress face potential risks to their mental well-being.
Within the workplace, mental health issues such as anxiety disorders and depression manifest and require due attention.
MIND advises on the matter of experiencing stress-related emotions:
“In the event of frequent experiences of stress, one may face an increased vulnerability to mental health concerns, such as depression or anxiety. Furthermore, stress has the potential to exacerbate existing conditions.”
“Developing resilience equips individuals to effectively adapt to challenging circumstances.”
Origins of occupational stress
Within the professional setting, numerous factors contribute to the emergence of work-related stress. The following are noteworthy sources:
1. Financial pressures.
2. Excessive work hours imposed upon employees.
3. Conflict or ambiguity pertaining to roles and responsibilities.
4. Burdensome workloads that yield negative outcomes.
5. Environments rife with interpersonal conflicts and discord, thereby impeding productivity. Such environments can be described as “toxic.”
6. Instances of unlawful workplace harassment, encompassing derogatory remarks, racially insensitive jokes, slurs, and various forms of gender, religious, disability-based, age-based, and sexual orientation-based harassment.
7. Presence of an abusive, aggressive, vindictive, inept, or unjust superior.
8. Obstacles hindering career progression.
Occupational stress – human health
Research has indicated a concerning correlation between elevated work-related stress and adverse health outcomes, including potentially life-threatening illnesses.
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Cancer
Cancer, for instance, has been the subject of a study conducted by Chinese scientists, revealing a heightened susceptibility to certain forms of cancer due to work-related stress.
Through the comprehensive analysis of data encompassing 280,000 workers in Europe and North America, the researchers uncovered a notable escalation in the risk of lung, esophageal, and colorectal cancers associated with work-related stress.
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Cardiovascular disease
The data analyzed by researchers from University College London, comprising 27 cohort studies across Europe, Japan, and the USA and involving a substantial sample size of 600,000 individuals.
The researchers found a link between extended work hours, work-related stress, and a moderately increased susceptibility to coronary heart disease. Additionally, the risk of stroke exhibited a similar elevation.
In their comprehensive assessment, the researchers stated:
“This systematic review, encompassing a vast population of over 600,000 men and women from 27 cohort studies conducted in Europe, the USA, and Japan, indicates that work stressors, including job strain and prolonged working hours, demonstrate an association with a moderate rise in the incidence of coronary heart disease and stroke.”
“The affected individuals face an excess risk ranging from 10-40% compared to those not exposed to such stressors.”
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Teleworking
Teleworking, commonly known as remote work, entails performing one’s job duties outside the traditional office environment, which can include cafes, homes, or designated remote work centers.
Contrary to popular belief, the notion that teleworking eliminates occupational stress is a fallacy.
As affirmed by a group of researchers from Baylor University, individuals who struggle with managing occupational stress in the office setting are also prone to encountering similar challenges while teleworking.
Professor Sara Perry, the lead researcher, offers the following guidance to managers tasked with selecting employees for telework opportunities:
“I would recommend that managers focus on assessing employee behaviors rather than relying solely on personality traits. For instance, individuals who exhibit poor stress management skills in the office are unlikely to fare better when working from home.”
“If someone tends to become easily overwhelmed or responds dramatically to work demands or issues within the office, they may not possess the optimal qualities to work remotely and effectively handle the accompanying responsibilities and stressors.”
