More stressed workers – less productivity and illness

In today’s workplace, people work almost twice as hard as they did 25 years ago. This according to the Holmes-Rahe Life Events Scale, which rates the levels of stress caused in the workplace. Workers are worried about being retrenched as companies’ down-s

“Pressure in the workplace is almost unavoidable. However, there is manageable work-related pressure which may force individuals to offer a bit more of themselves to their jobs and then there is pressure which causes negative stress on an individual,” explains Graham Anderson, Principal Officer at Profmed, the medical scheme catering exclusively to graduate professionals.

Furthermore, Anderson explains work related stress as the response workers may have when presented with work demands that are not matched to their knowledge and abilities and which challenge their ability to cope.

A survey conducted by the Northwestern National Life, to test the number of stressed workers, found that people are taking over the counter pills like painkillers or stress relief pills in order to cope with work stress and pressures. Although they are not illegal drugs, the increase of people who use them is alarming. The study found that people pop a pill before they go to work every morning. Whether they will face stressful situations at work or not does not matter, they view that popping a pill will help them ‘handle’ their jobs.

“People who are most likely to suffer from work-related stress and illnesses are those who feel powerless in their work. Powerlessness leads to hopelessness and helplessness. Once a worker has reached this state, stress is most likely to occur and it will be followed by their physical health being compromised,” explains Anderson.

Anderson urges employees to assess their working environment and the stress they experience in this space. “A healthy job is one where pressures on employees are in line with the employees’ abilities and resources as well as the amount of control they have over their work and support from people who matter to them.”

Furthermore, Anderson says once employees experience work related stress there’s less productivity, higher numbers of sick leave due to poor mental and physical health and a generally negative working environment.

“Work-place stress also has negative effects on the physical wellbeing of an employee. Physical symptoms of workplace stress include muscle aches and tension; loss of appetite; restless sleep; headaches; upset stomachs and difficulty concentrating.”

Once the physical wellbeing of an employee is compromised, it is easier and more likely for their emotional and psychological wellbeing to be compromised as well. “Causes of work-related stress include: heavy workloads; changes within the organisation; tight deadlines; changes to duties; job insecurity; lack of autonomy; boring work; over-supervision, inadequate working environment and a lack of proper resources,” explains Anderson.

Should you find yourself in a stressful workplace, Anderson believes that you should think about the changes you wish to make in order to reduce stress and then take action. These may include talking through your concerns with your employer or HR Manager; making sure you are well-organised by starting the day off with the most difficult or demanding tasks. “Also, consider the benefits of relaxation and make sure you have free time for yourself. It is important to take care of your body as well by eating a healthy diet and exercising every day. Avoid excess drinking and drugs as these stimulants also contribute to heightened anxiety and stress levels.”

“A healthy, happy employee will result in a productive employee and increased productivity in a company is always a favourable thing. Should an employee feel that no positive changes can be made to their situation, then a change of jobs or careers should be considered” concludes Anderson.