Employee Stress

You might also likeHow understanding workplace health and safety only leads to problems when it comes to stress in employees Stress, the result of the stressors or stressors are defined as the tension that people feel as they experience extraordinary demands and uncertainty about whether they have the necessary skills, abilities, or resources to cope with those demands. These include challenge stressors (e.g., time pressures; high work responsibilities) and hindrance stressors (e.g., role conflicts; daily hassles​. There are various ways that stress affects employees. On the plus side, it can improve concentration and engagement. Yes, negatively — physiological problems (fatigue and cardiovascular issues), psychological problems (depression and burnout) and behavioral problems (substance misuse). Chronic stress can decrease job performance, raise turnover, and even lead to workplace violence. Workers can use strategies that help reduce stress. On their own, employees must respond to stressors by requesting reasonable deadlines or finding ways to control their reactions, such as through exercise or mindfulness activities. Organizations, too, can make a big difference by creating jobs with less strain, offering realistic targets, and providing wellness programs. This may also help decrease stress by recognizing the cultural differences and creating an inclusive work environment ​. Another popular organizational-level approach is to implement a health and wellness program within an organization, which may include an employee assistance program (EAP) that provides counseling and resources for coping with stressors. Other discretionary benefits such as paid time off or flexible work schedules allow employees to balance work with personal responsibilities, alleviating stress. Legally, abiding by OSHA allows for a physical workplace that is safe and devoid of hazards that might increase stress. Workers also have the right to a safe work environment and can report unsafe conditions without fear of retaliation​.

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Week 9 lectures