5 Things You Need to Know About Stress at Work

1. Healthy Pressure vs. Stress

According to the Health and Safety Executive, stress is the adverse reaction people have to the demands of pressure that is placed on them. Some amount of pressure is healthy. Healthy pressure encourages peak performance and good morale and is motivating. When too much pressure is placed on employees it can undermine the employee's attitude and create illness. When employees feel overwhelmed, under appreciated and feel they have no control over their work environment, stress is the result.

2. Symptoms of Stress at Work

Some common symptoms of stress at work can include lack of support from others, including co-workers, a feeling of uncertainty about your future at the company, a feeling of lack of control over your position, extreme work demands and difficult working relationships. Physical symptoms can include headache, upset stomach, sleep disturbances, difficulty in concentrating or being short tempered. Feelings of stress at work can lead to tardiness, absenteeism, and a desire or action to quit their jobs.

3. Stress Causes Illness

If the stress you're experiencing at work goes unresolved your body is in a state of constant activation: increased pulse, your nervous system is on alert, hormones are released to sharpen the senses and muscles become tense. All of these stress consequences take their toll on your system, leaving your body susceptible to physical and psychological illness--illness such as cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disease, work injuries, depression, substance abuse and anxiety disorders.

4. Learn to Manage Your Stress

Identifying the stresses at your work is the first step in taking action to developing a healthier work environment. Are you overloaded with commitments? Is there not enough time to complete your projects? What specifically stresses you at your work place? It is important to feel in control of your job. Knowing your position's description, responsibilities and expectations as outlined by your boss or company can help clarify your role in the company. Review time frame expectations for your work load. Are there realistic expectations for the amount work flow coming across your desk?

Discuss concerns with your manager and other colleagues, if appropriate. Creating a continuous dialogue can help ease worries. Develop a support network whether with family members or other co-workers. Knowing you have a group of caring, supportive individuals in your corner eases your burden. Have a regular exercise routine in place. Exercise releases endorphins in your body, which help stimulate good feelings and a positive outlook.

5. Employees and Employers Must Work Together to Reduce Stress

Nearly one half of all large companies in the United States offer some type of work stress relief education program. Work related training programs help educate employees on handling stress. Employee assistance programs (EAPs) provide counseling for employees' work and personal problems. Reducing work related stress is not simply the employee's responsibility, the company can take action to improve working conditions too. Hiring a consultant or management expert to evaluate and make recommendations to improve a company's working conditions is another solution. This is a direct approach to identifying stresses and setting up a plan to improve the environment.