There are many causes of work stress that employees face on a daily basis. Many are common stressors that are typical in most work forces, while others involve particular situations that are ongoing or often escalate into severe work disturbances. Recognizing key targets of work stress in each situation will assist in making proper changes that will lead to improving the work environment.
Co-workers
One cause of work stress may involve other employees or co-workers who the worker comes in contact with daily. This can be a significant cause of stress in the workplace. Maybe it is a co-worker who is a bully, verbally degrades her or is trying to sabotage her job performance. It could be a case of sexual harassment or sexual misconduct. Most co-workers who use another worker to gain control or power often threaten the worker with words or actions that are inappropriate or unethical. They may physically touch or grab the worker inappropriately or make verbal threats that she may lose her job if she doesn't cooperate. Anyone who is dealing with cases of extreme misconduct should first seek legal counsel, followed by a one-on-one meeting with a boss or supervisor she feels she can trust.
Management
Oftentimes, causes of stress at work involve issues with supervisors or upper management. It could mean verbal, personal attacks on work performance, expecting more than what the worker is capable or unfair work hours involving overtime or working nights and weekends. It could be as simple as lack of friendship or respect between the supervisor and employee. It could also be a case of employee favoritism and jealousy---in which the management team gives more gratitude, benefits or promotions to other employees or one particular employee over the others. A one-on-one meeting with the supervisor or upper management team to discuss promotions or unfair treatment is recommended in this situation.
Personal Issues
Personal issues from home and private life may have a negative impact at work, leading to added work stress. Issues with children at home, such as discipline, child custody or an ill child, could spill over into poor work performance or missed time from work due to the additional stress. The stress can become compounded when the worker is mentally distracted at the workplace and falls behind on daily duties or misses key meetings resulting in additional stress and poor work performance. Marital issues, health concerns, money problems and credit card debt all may be factors in lack of concentration at work that leads to stress in getting the job done right, on time and without error. Seeking counseling from a qualified professional may help the worker to better cope with all of the stressors in his life.
Work Overload
An abundance of work or an increased work load along with trying to meet current demands may lead to added work stress. There is generally a specified amount of work requirements or quotas that every employee is required to fulfill both daily and weekly. When that workload is compromised due to lack of ability to keep up or finish the project, the employee only falls more and more behind. The stress from the job itself, inability to understand how to do the job completely or an injury may compound the problem. If a job load is becoming overwhelming, the first step to resolving the problem is to simply ask for help from an immediate supervisor or manager.
Environment
Oftentimes, an employee's work environment can be a leading stress factor in her overall ability to perform the job correctly. This could be an environment that is dirty, noisy, cluttered, cold, hot or full of visual distractions, such as customers or other employees. The environment could also be unhealthy due to poor air quality, such as exhaust, chemicals, odors or cigarette smoke. Another reason could be uncomfortable furniture and inadequate lighting. Addressing environmental issues with a supervisor or OSHA specialist should be the first step in resolving the problem.
