Stressors in the workplace are job insecurity, huge workloads, or long hours of work, and the gravity of them put together weighs so much on the well-being of employees. There are signs that a person is experiencing stress. When under stress, the tendency is to channel it through increased smoking, drinking, and eating. It is difficult to concentrate and make decisions. There is social withdrawal and aggressiveness.
“Stress is a risk factor to heart disease, gastro-intestinal problems…stress depresses you immune system,” notes Robert Cooper, an Organizational Psychology professor.
In a survey of 2,000 people, half of them said there was low morale at work, only one among 10 sought professional help and treatment, and 1 out 5 became depressed because of pressure, notes the Guardian. In addition, only 38% said their employer supported them. In a separate report, depression, it quoted, has risen five-folds because of unemployment, extended work hours, and job insecurity.
It is a prerogative that employers address this and change the environment by providing increased support staff, flexible working atmosphere, and regulated workloads, suggested Emma Mamo, a policy and campaign officer for Mind. Work-life balance should be observed.
An important aspect on the over-all health of employees is self-esteem – how they are valued in the workplace. Long hours of work is a health risk as well as having a “bad manager.” Cooper explains it to be a disadvantage when people go to work because they are afraid of losing the job.
What better ways to cope with stress than to have social support and a qualified person who can help pinpoint the source of stress.
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