Job Stress Essay, Research Paper
Over the past few decades, many people are hearing more
about job related stress. With many households depending on
duel incomes, people are working more and having less
leisure time. Many claim that job stress has contributed to
such illnesses as heart disease, depression, gastric
problems, exhaustion, and many other related illnesses.
This paper will focus on the background issues surrounding
stress; as well as, the steps that need to be taken by one s
self and the employer.
According to The Random House Dictionary, stress is
defined as physical, mental, or emotional tension. Job
stress occurs when demands are imposed upon the workers in
which they can not meet those demands, or when there are not
enough adequate supplies or information available for the
employee to perform their job as required (Paine, 1982, pg.
68).
In the book The Overworked American, author Juliet
Schor (1991) reports that 30 percent of adults have reported
experiencing high levels of stress on a daily basis. There
is an even higher percentage of adults who have claimed to
have high levels of stress at least once or twice a week.
In 1965, only a quarter of the population reported that they
are rushed to get things done resulting in high stress
levels. Today, that number has increased to one-third of
the American population claiming they are rushed on a daily
basis (Schor, 1991, p.11).
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Prolonged severe stress can cause emotional depression,
the exhaustion stage is not depression, but a physical
process. Long-lasting excessive stress can cause a variety
of physical illnesses. Among them: high blood pressure,
ulcers, colitis, arthritis, diabetes, stoke, and heart
attack. The same type and level of stress can effect
individuals differently. It depends on the person s
physical condition (age, sex, genetic predisposition) and on
certain external factors (diet, or treatment with certain
drugs or hormones) as to the physical or emotional suffering
that will occur. The weakest link in a chain breaks down
under stress, even though all parts are equally exposed to
it (Bensahel, Goodloe, and Kelly, 1984, p. 130).
Illnesses that derive from stress usually develop
slowly, without the individual being clearly aware of what
is happening. Guidelines were developed by Robert J. Ban
Amberg, a practicing psychiatrist in Montclair, New Jersey
to help individuals measure their own reactions to stress
and to help managers know when they are under stress. These
guidelines were developed into six stages with stress
symptoms becoming worse at each stage. Sometimes, the
stress symptoms will disappear or lessen (Bensahel et al.,
1984, p. 135).
The first stage of stress is mild and usually is
accompanied by 1. Great zest 2. Unusually acute perception
3. Excessive nervous energy and ability to accomplish more
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work than usual (Bensahel et al., 1984, p. 135). During
this stage, it is so pleasant that they want to maintain it.
Unfortunately, it must be considered an early warning sign
that energy reserves are being drawn down (Bensahel et al.,
1984, p. 135).
During the second stage of recognizing stress, some of
the more unpleasant effects begin to appear. Energy
reserves usually do not last through the day. Some of the
symptoms include tiredness early in the day, heart flutters
and/or disturbance of bowel and stomach functions, tightness
occurring in back and head muscles, and not being to relax
(Bensahel et al., 1984 p. 136).
Tiredness becomes more apparent in the third stage.
There is more disturbance in bowel functions as well as
stomach pain. Muscles become more tight and there is an
increased feeling of tenseness. Individuals usually
experience sleep problems and have a feeling of faintness.
For individuals suffering stress to this stage, medical
attention is advisable. Unless one reduces the demands
causing stress, more serious problems will arise in the
later stages (Bensahel et al., 1984 p. 136).
At stage four, one can experience problems getting
through the day. Once-pleasant activities become quite
difficult, and the ability to communicate in social affairs
or talking with friends becomes quite burdensome. There is
more difficulty sleeping with the occurrence of unpleasant
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dreams. The stressed individual develops a feeling of
negativism, inability to concentrate, and nameless fears.
Stage five is represented by a deepening of the stage four
symptoms along with extreme fatigue (Bensahel et al., 1984,
p. 137).
The final stage can produce terrifying symptoms. This
can include heart pounding and panic caused by release of
adrenaline. There is often gasping for breath, trembling,
shivering, sweating, numb and tingling hands and feet, and
sheer exhaustion. The symptoms of stress are frequently
conflicting and confusing. The stress disorder is
essentially a step-by-step exhaustion of the body s fuel
reserves (Bensahel et al., 1984, p. 139)
During the early 1980s, workers compensation claims
nearly tripled for those reporting stress related illness
due to work (Schor, 1991, p. 11). There has been a dramatic
increase in the number of stress related illnesses,
particularly among women. Jobs have been a major
contributing factor to this stress. Only one-forth of wives
with children held paying jobs outside the home in the
1960s. By the 1990s, two-thirds of American wives were
involved in paying jobs outside the home. Not only are
women working more, but they are working more long hours.
These increased hours on the job create less time for home
life activities (Schor, 1991, p. 25).
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Now that many households require both parents to work
and with more women entering the workforce, companies are
paying closer attention to the women in their companies and
are becoming more concerned for quality family life.
Companies have developed flexible hours for working mothers,
while also implementing child daycare programs within the
organization. This helps working mothers the freedom to
arrange work around family (Kizer, 1987, p.36).
To help reduce stress and improve the quality of life,
many organizations are becoming more involved in wellness
programs. With increasing health care costs, many employers
are concentrating on disease prevention and health
promotion. By putting a wellness program in place, it leads
to a healthier workforce which increases its productivity
level, reduces employee absenteeism, creates less overtime,
and it also cuts the cost of health benefits (Kizer, 1987,
p. xi).
Another reason that many companies are developing a
wellness program within the organization is the effect it
has on the bottom line. By preventing stress, an
organization has happy healthy employees which means the
quality and quantity of work will be improved. For example,
A middle manager may be a company s shining star, but if
he is living in constant disharmony at home, or if his
teenage daughter, whom he suspects is using street drugs,
did not come home until 3 a.m. last Saturday night, this
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promising manager is not going to be particularly efficient
at even routine daily tasks. A worksite wellness program
could help (Kizer, 1987, p. 36).
Another contributing factor to higher job related
stress is less leisure and vacation time. Throughout the
1980s, the amount of paid time off for employees is actually
shrinking. Many European workers are gaining vacation time,
while Americans are losing it. In the last decade, U.S.
workers have gotten less paid time off – on the order of
three and a half fewer days each year of vacation time,
holidays, sick pay, and other paid absences. (Schor, 1991,
p. 32).
Many companies faced an economic squeeze in the 1980s.
Vacations and holidays were among the cost-cutting efforts.
DuPont reduced its top vacation allotment time from seven to
four weeks. They also eliminated three of their paid
holidays a year. With the new trend of down-sizing, many
employees are fearful of job loss and therefore, spend less
time away from the workplace (Schor, 1991, p. 32).
Individuals who experience high or frequent
levels of stress need to learn to cope. High levels of
stress can effect job performance and it can also be
unhealthy. To maintain a healthy lifestyle, people need to
attempt to take responsibility for stress. Those
individuals need to learn more about stress in general and
how it effects them. They also need to develop techniques
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for monitoring personal levels of stress and develop
techniques to deal with job related stress. Employees
should look within the organization on ways to alleviate
stress and how to cope more effectively. Organizations are
often unnecessarily stressful and should be changed to
reduce the negative impact on individuals physical and
mental health (Paine, 1982, p. 21).
Three major strategies for strengthening individuals
are workshops, stress management skills, and focused short
term counseling. Introductory workshops are essential to
communicate and educate to be more mentally and physically
healthy. Such workshops which specialize in topics as time
management or relaxation techniques help to alleviate the
stress in one s life (Paine, 1982, p. 22). Finding
techniques that deal with personal stress can also be useful
in dealing with job stress. Regular aerobic exercise to
deep breathing techniques are potentially useful in stress
management. Many specialist agree that there is not any one
method to overcome the problem. One needs to realize their
own self needs and strengths in dealing with stress
management (Paine, 1982, p. 23).
There are many different ways in which you
can deal with job stress. Individuals can take on simple
self-help countermeasures. There is also help from friends,
colleagues, spouse, or other relatives. Professional help
is available from clergymen, physicians, or counselors.
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More extreme stress can be dealt with by psychotherapy or
prescription drugs. Individuals should choose
countermeasures in relation to the severity of the stress
and the problems it is causing. If one approach does not
work, they should try another (Bensahel et al., 1984, p.
153).
The worksite offers several advantages for employees
interested in making healthy lifestyle changes.
The advantages include:
MOst employees go to a worksite on a regular schedule,
thus providing opportunities for regular participation in
wellness programs.
Contact with co-workers can provide strong social support
which is believed to be a primary force in sustaining
lifestyle changes.
Opportunities for strong, steady support of the program,
as well as for promoting the concept that good health is
good for everyone.
Programs at the worksite may be less expensive to the
employee than comparable programs in the community or may
even be offered free as an employee benefit.
Because of the varity of data systems available, it is
possible to evaluate changes in an employee s health
status or other measures resulting from the program.
The most attractive feature from an employee s viewpoint
is the fact that the program is convenient.
From the employers viewpoint the benefits of worksite
health promotion for stress include:
Improved employee morale
Improved employee relations
Improved retention
Improved community relations.
Reduced absenteeism
Reduced number of hours lost to late arrivals and sick
days
What s causing stress in your life? Work, family
problems, personality clashes, money problems. They all
cause stress. Even positive events in your life such as
marriage, new job, new home, even lotto winners report
feeling stressed.
Since there s no getting around lifes problems, the
best way to manage stress is to learn better coping skills.
First pinpoint the reasons for stress in your life. Then try
changing your attitude about them.
Learn what you can control and accept the things you
cannot. Practice self talk (this to shall pass, Some day we
will laugh about this, or Its a learning experience).
Keep your perspective. Ask yourself, Will I remember
this in five years? Try to find the positive side to a
stressful situation. Do not worry about things that may
never happen.
Practice positive self talk, for example, I can do
this, or I m in control. Negative self talk such as, I
have to be perfect, or I can t do this, produces more
stress.
Take action to manage stress. Changes and stress create
energy. Are you using that energy to continue toward your
goals? Or are you letting stress make you unhappy and
unproductive? Take action to control your stress, both at
work and at home.
Manage your time better- make a to do list. Make it
realistic so you can do the things listed and set
priorities. Break task into bite size chunks. Delagate
as much as possible. Keep in mind that tomorrow is
another day and accept the fact that you may not get
everything done today.
Make sure you are communicating effectively- Go into
stressful meetings as fully prepared as possible.
Organize your thoughts, establish eye contact, and listen
for the whole message, including content, feelings, and
meanings. Remember that solving problems depends on give
and take. Be prepared to negotiate and compromise.
Break the tention cycle-At your desk, close your eyes,
breathe deeply and relax. Laugh with co-workers, go out
for lunch. At home, read a book, take a walk, chat with
next door neighbors. Get plenty of regular exercise and
sleep-they will help you cope better.
Get organized at home-Set daily and weekly rountines for
household chores. Delegate some chores to other family
members. Cook meals in large quantities and freeze some
for later. Plan for emergencies, keep first aid supplies
and an extra set of car keys around.
Stress can affect your self esteem and your health, if
you let it. Be kind to yourself. Relax, keep a positive
attitude and get involved in activities you enjoy. Build on
your strengths, take care of yourself. Also learn to reach
out to others. Everyone needs a support system, a network of
trustworthy people you care about and who care about you.
Share your feelings so that they don t build up. Then focus
on building positive energy.
Stress is a normal, involuntary response to any demand
made upon the body. Stress is very complex. Sources of
stress may be made either more positive or more negative by
a range of factors related to a given situation.
Stress has become a widely used yet poorly understood
term. As a result, a number of misconceptions about stress
exist. Three of the most identified misconceptions are that:
all stress is dab, stress is a part of life and there is
nothing you can do about it,and stress is caused solely and
completely by environmental factors.
Stress is very much a personal condition, and
individuals vary in their ability to cope with different
forms and levels of stress. An example of this stress on a
personal note would be co-worker conflict. When this stress
occurs co-workers should discuss this matter privately. If
possible, arrange your meeting on neutral grounds. Approach
the person in a non threating manner. Respond to them with:
I would like to talk something over with you. Try to make
the other person feel less defensive or angry. Do not blame
the other person. Listen closely to the other person.
Understanding the other point of view may help you feel less
stressful. Focus on ways to solve the problem. In this I
mean do not revisit every past negative incident,this may
distract from the resolution. Finally if none of the above
work, seek help. If necessary talk with an employee
assistance counselor who can help develope ground rules for
such discussions and promote respectful communications.
Stress is a complex process. It can arise in white
collar as well as in blue collar workers. Surveys have found
little difference between white and blue collar workers in
terms of complaints, health, life satisfaction, depression.
or other indicattors of stress.
Shift workers are thought to be more susceptible to
stress-related illnesses. Because of personal involvement
with the disruption in basic sleep patterns and disruption
in social life. Since every situation is unique, there are
probaly as many separate sources of stress as there are work
situation. This may is important to recognise when seeking
to evaluate working enviroments for sources of stress.
Never the less sources of work related stress can be
grouped into four general catagories.
Work load-which means stress resulting from to much
work,to little work, work that is to hard or to easy.
Work conditions-refers to a wide variety of factors
including organization structure, such as job loss,change
in work, and similar factors.
Work patterns- pertains to shiftwork, repetive work,
paced work
Work roles- Which can be stressful because of role
expectations with efficient use of resources and staff.
Employers may also wish to introduce an EAP, which
provides an effective strategy for assisting employees with
personal and work related problems.
Where organizations believe it would be necessary to
make decisions about the quality of the proposed program.
Such decisions should be made on the basis of a well defined
set od criteris. The following set of eight criteria for
evaluating and selecting a stress intervention program is
suggested.
1. A program should be conducted on both the organizational
and individual level.
2. Content should be work related, but aim at reducing
unwanted stress effects which may result from social, or
personal factors.
3. Program should be based on valid research findings and
conducted by qualified personnel.
4. Program should include regular and on going evaluation
of its effectiveness in meeting program objectives.
5. Should include follow up evaluations, consultations, and
refresher sessions for techniques learned.
6. Program should aim to affect both the attitudes and the
behavior of participants.
7. Program for individual stress mangement should be
flexible with goals which are reasonable, rather easily
achieved, promoting high success rates, and participation
should be voluntary.
8. Program should be chosen or constructed and implemted on
on the basis of close cooperation between mangement,
employees, and professionals in the field.
Employers and employees share responsibility for the
maintenance of a healthy and safe working enviroment.
Employers are by law obligated to provide a safe working
intervention, formal and informal, is shared responsibility
and calls for a coperative effort.
In general people react badly with either to little or to
much stress.
In basic terms,stress is one aspect of living that can be
beneficial when it motivates,encourages changes or
inspire.
Bensahel,Jane,Goodloe,Alfred,and Kelly,John. (1984).
Managing Yourself-How to Control Emotion,Stress,and
Time. New York: Franklin Watts.
Kizer, William M. (1987). The Healthy WorkPlace.
New York: John Wiley and Sons
Paine, Whiton Stewart. (1982). Job Stress and Burnout.
Beverly Hills: Sage Publications.
Schor,Juliet B. (1991). The Overworked American.
New York: Basic Books.
Cooper and Marshall. (1985) Stress in the Workplace
Job Stress