Work stress is well defined as stress, which is generated because of conflicting priorities in one's employment. This stress results from various forms of tension that can arise due to workload pressure, deadlines, and job description given to an employee. The intensity of control that employees have over their own workflow may affect how serious work stress actually is. In some cases, people who are under a great deal of work stress do not even recognize that they are under a great deal of pressure, since their perception of the situation does not allow them to bring forth complaints, or take reasonable action to alleviate stress.
The source of work stress may be found in the nature of the job-related stresses. These stresses can be caused by the expectations of the job, the level of skill required for the job, or the relationship between an individual and the organization. These expectations and relationships are often the result of cultural norms and are therefore difficult to change. Changes in organizational culture can be especially challenging, because changing organizational culture is a lengthy and expensive process. In order to reduce work stress, individuals and organizations must address work-related stressors in their workplaces.
One of the major sources of work-related stress is the increased demands that are placed on an individual while performing their job responsibilities. Every task - every move which an employee makes - represents a potential demand for their time and energy. When these demands exceed the individual's ability to handle them, it creates additional strain on their psychological and physical health. Psychological strain is the result of stress which arises from the pressures of performance, while physical strain is the result of physical demands that are already present.
The two biggest causes of work stress are the mental and the physical demands placed upon an individual. These demands often lead to anxiety and burnout. An effective work-stress management program addresses both these factors.
There are two major negative effects of work-related stress: loss of productivity and time away from work. The most obvious negative effects of stress are the reduced productivity and time away from work which it creates. Reduced productivity is obviously impossible to avoid if you are performing your duties and meeting your requirements on a daily basis. Additionally, an employee may lose his or her job if they are unable to meet the increased demands of the workplace. This is especially true if the employee's work-related stress level is excessive.
The other biggest causes of workplace stress are the negative effects that can arise as a result of working under pressure. It has been shown that individuals who are repeatedly pressed for time lose concentration and become less productive than those who take a break when their work load increases. In addition, it has been shown that individuals who constantly feel pressured to perform to the highest standards to produce lower quality work than individuals who are not pressured to perform at such high standards. This results in lower satisfaction among employees and higher levels of workplace stress. In extreme cases, the result can be workers who are excessively unhappy and take sick days due to their work-related stress.
In conclusion, work-related stressors include a number of common factors that can negatively affect both physical and mental health. Although some stress can be good for the body, too much stress can have unhealthy consequences. Therefore, it is important to identify work-related stressors and manage them accordingly. The best way to do so is by recognizing stress as a mental health challenge and addressing it accordingly.