What are the Symptoms of Stress in the Workplace & Ways to Reduce It

Stress at the workplace is a problem worldwide that affects the well-being and the health of the employees as well as their productivity in the organizations. The work-related stress occurs where a work demands a lot that usually exceeds the capability and the capacity of a person. Work-related stress is a highly compensated injury in the USA. Work-related stress may be caused due to various reasons. A person may feel pressure if the job is very demanding. Other causes of stress at work include conflict with bosses or with co-workers, threats to a job security, or constant change.

Numerous studies reveal that stress in the workplace is a major reason for stress among American adults and it has grown progressively in the last few decades. Increased job stress levels and huge demand are associated with hypertension, heart attacks, and other disorders. In Los Angeles, New York, and other places, the relation between work-related stress and heart attack is well acknowledged and whenever any police officer suffers a work-related injury, he is compensated accordingly.

What are the Symptoms of Stress in the Workplace?

The symptoms and signs of stress in the workplace may be psychological, physical, and behavioral. They symptoms are –

Physical Symptoms of Stress in the Workplace:

Muscular tension
Fatigue
Heart palpitations
Headaches
Sleeping difficulties
Dermatological disorders.

Psychological Symptoms of Stress in the Workplace:

Discouragement
Anxiety
Depression
Pessimism
Irritability
Aggression.

Behavioral Symptoms of Stress in the Workplace:

Absenteeism
Low tolerance and impatience
Disinterest
Isolation
Problems with the interpersonal relationship.

Workplace Stress Statistics

Numerous studies and surveys have confirmed that work fears and pressures are the leading sources of stress among American adults. 80 percent of the workers undergo stress at their work and almost half of them require help to manage stress. 14% of the employees have felt like striking a coworker and 25% wanted to shout or scream due to job stress.

Causes of Stress in the Workplace

As per the studies, the two major reasons identified for stress in the workplace are:

Americans Work Harder and Longer:

The number of working hours in the USA has been increasing steadily. The U.S workers worked for more hours on a job than a labor force of the other industrialized nations. According to a study of Industrial Labor Organization, the Americans gave an additional 40 hours of work compared to what they used to give ten years ago. As per a survey in more than 300 companies covering 8 lakh employees, the employees who had fallen sick because of stress tripled in 2000 from 1996. Almost 1 million employees remain absent because of stress. Millions of working days remain lost in the U.S. because of stress.

Stress Due to Job Insecurity:

As per a government report, more jobs are being lost these days and the workers who are fearful to lose their jobs have doubled in the previous one decade. This problem has worsened a lot and as per in poll in February 2000, almost 50% of the employees are concerned about their job retainment. There were huge layoffs because of bankruptcies and massive layoffs.

Ways to Reduce Stress in the Workplace

If the stress level interferes with your job then it may leave a negative effect on the health of the employees and you may find it difficult to take care of yourself and manage your life. You should pay attention to your physical and emotional health thus ensuring that your needs are properly taken care of. When you take care of your needs you feel strong. Small things may lift your mood and can increase your tolerance level. Do the things in a more positive manner.
Making a good choice of food is important. If you eat too much you can feel lethargic and at the same time, the low blood sugar levels may make you anxious and irritable.
Eating a small but frequent meal the whole day may keep your blood sugar levels optimum and you can avoid the mood swings.
Ensure to get adequate sleep. Worry and stress can cause insomnia and lack of proper sleep may give you more stress. When you get adequate sleep, you can maintain emotional balance in a better way and can cope up with the work-related stress.
Aerobic exercises can increase your heart rate and can make you sweat. This is an effective way to relax your mind and body, enhance your energy level, lift your mood, and sharpen your focus. 30 minutes of exercise daily can give you great relief from stress in the workplace. It is vital to completely avoid alcohol and nicotine. Alcohol temporarily reduces your anxiety and worry levels, however, consuming too much of alcohol may cause anxiety. Drinking for relieving stress at the workplace may lead to dependence on alcohol.

Conclusion

Learn coping strategies and the ways to manage stress in the workplace and this way improve your work relationships. This will help you to act appropriately and think clearly. You can break the habits that increase your stress levels that you face at the workplace. It will also help you to change the negative thinking or self-talk which can cause additional stress.

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What are the Symptoms of Stress in the Workplace & Ways to Reduce It