Stress
and Management - Occupational Stress
According to the European
Commission, work-related stress can be defined as 'a pattern of emotional,
cognitive, behavioural and physiological reactions to perceived adverse
and noxious aspects of work content, work organization, workflow and work
environment. It is a state characterised by high levels of arousal &
distress and often by feelings of not coping up.'
Job stress is caused by many
stressors like a poor match between a person and work, by conflicts between
roles at work and outside it, or by not having a reasonable degree of control
over own work and own life.
What do we mean by Stressor?
:- A stressor is a situation or event that has a potential to make us
vulnerable to feel stressed. They can be internal or external factors,
like our memories, environment, or the people around us. They're also very
personal; a significant source of stress for one person might cause no stress
for another.
Common stressors at workplace, which can be proactively addressed by organization through occupational stress mapping include…
Work over and under load.
Monotonous nature of assignments,
lack of opportunity to enhance skills or learning.
Lack of a clear job description, or
chain of command.
No recognition, or reward, for good
job performance.
No opportunity to voice queries.
Many responsibilities, but little
authority or decision-making capacity.
Uncooperative or unsupportive
superiors, co-workers, or subordinates.
No control, or pride, over the
finished product of work.
Job insecurity.
Exposure to prejudice regarding age,
gender, race, ethnicity, or religion.
Exposure to violence, threats, or
bullying.
No opportunity to utilize personal
talents or abilities effectively; or
Chances of a small error or momentary lapse of attention having serious consequences.