Employers are not only responsible for providing employees with a safe work environment, but also for making sure they are mentally well in addition to being physically well. Stress is a leading cause of workplace injuries. During COVID -related lockdowns and work from home situations, it is reported that instances of stress have further gone up with employees left to juggle with both work and home-related responsibilities.

According to statistics, over 10% of workers suffer from some form of mental disorder. And nearly half (44%) of all adults experience at least one symptom of depression at some time in their lives. With the rise in workloads and constantly changing demands, it’s no wonder that so many people suffer from stress-related illnesses and disorders.

Causes of stress at work

The term “stress” refers to a psychological and physical state of imbalance caused by external pressures and demands. It might result in anxiety or other mental health problems.

Stress at work becomes such a problem because there are many causes of it. To mention some, lack of autonomy, few opportunities for creativity, little variety in the work, poor management skills, low pay, unrealistic deadlines and changes in working hours. If one feels they’re not being treated fairly, undervalued, or given the support they need to get their job done well, that will only contribute more stress into their life.

Acute and Chronic Effects of Stress at Work

Working in an environment with high levels of stress or pressure can have both acute and chronic effects on the body. Acute effects are temporary and include feelings of anxiety, lack of sleep, and muscle tension. Chronic effects are long-term and often more severe than acute effects. Some of the more common effects are weight gain, high blood pressure, migraines, and gastrointestinal issues. Stress can also affect our mood and lead to depression or anxiety.

Many people suffer from stress and some people’s bodies react differently to different levels of stress. Stress can actually lead to a decrease in one’s immune system, which is bad for one’s well-being.

Impact of stress on employee well-being

The effects of stress on employee well-being are far reaching and without intervention, the impact can lead to long-term damage to both an individual’s health and their performance at work. Research suggests that in countries such as the United States, with dynamic work cultures, workers suffer from extreme rates of stress and it impacts their productivity, creativity levels, and sleep quality.

Importance of employee well-being

There are many reasons why employee well-being is important for your organization. For many organizations, there is a clear link between the health of their employees and their overall success and profitability. Studies show that employers who take steps to reduce workplace stress-related illness end down with lower healthcare costs, higher levels of creativity in the work place, and happier employees. It impacts the productivity of the employees, and can have a positive effect on the organization’s culture, as it reduces the absenteeism rate of workers.

It is usually great for the organization if they invest in the well-being of their employees. According to a Gallup poll, 51% of employees who say their organization has a great workplace culture are engaged and 58% say they would recommend their organization as a great place to work.

Conclusion: A balance between managing and controlling stress is key to minimizing its effect on employees’ well being

Some employees may feel a higher level of stress than others, but the reality is that everyone has a limit. Employees should be made aware of the sources of stress in their day-to-day life and how to deal with them, while employers should also take steps to minimize the effects of stress on their employees.

It is important for employers to be mindful of how stress affects their employees and what they can do about it. In order to maintain a health workforce, employers have to take measures to reduce workplace risks. By being cognizant about these aspects, you can ensure that your workforce stays healthy and happy.

Creating a healthy work environment is not just about the physical and mental health of the employees. It also means creating a safe and welcoming space that will foster creativity, innovation, and collaboration. Implementing these changes to your office can create a healthier work environment for all your employees.

References

Gallup, Inc. (2021, June 25). Work and Workplace | Gallup Historical Trends. Gallup.Com. https://news.gallup.com/poll/1720/work-work-place.aspx

Gavidia, M. (2020, August 5). How Has COVID-19 Affected Mental Health, Severity of Stress Among Employees? AJMC. https://www.ajmc.com/view/how-has-covid19-affected-mental-health-severity-of-stress-among-employees

Meister, J. (2021, August 5). The Future Of Work Is Employee Well-Being. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeannemeister/2021/08/04/the-future-of-work-is-worker-well-being/?sh=520566d44aed

Solf, A. (1999). Cooper, C. & Robertson, I. (1999) International Review of Industrial and Organizational Psychology Vol. 14, New York: Jhon Wiley & Sons. Xi + 422 pp. Persona, 0(002), 263. https://doi.org/10.26439/persona1999.n002.1710