Stress can cause physical problems

In my columns this week and next, I want to discuss a topic that concerns many of us – stress in the workplace.

Stress is often defined as a condition that occurs when environmental demands exceed an individual’s ability to cope.

Stress can produce symptoms in several categories:

• Behavioral problems such as difficulties in maintaining healthy limits and boundaries in such behaviors as eating, alcohol intake and spending habits.

Problems in relating appropriately to friends, family, coworkers and supervisors can also fall into this category.

• Medical problems, such as frequent illness and lowered resistance to disease.

Chronic headaches, diarrhea, high blood pressure and muscle tension are all examples of medical conditions that often have a stress component.

• Psychological problems, such as anxiety and worry, depression, sleep difficulties, chronic anger, insecurity and feelings of hopelessness and helplessness.

Stress exists in the work place for many reasons. Because of the economic changes due to pressure brought on by global economies, employers face challenges and competition without precedent.

The necessity for flexibility in the size of the work force can produce rapid shifts in hirings and lay-offs. This lace of stability creates uncertainty and therefore stress for those in the workplace.

The rapid growth of new technology creates the need to be constantly learning new procedures and tasks. This also can be stressful.

Co-worker and/or worker/supervisor conflicts.
Shift work or extended hours on a regular basis.
Poorly communicated expectations regarding job demands.
Poor or even unsafe working conditions.
Constant deadlines, chronic crisis situations, unrealistic production quotas, etc.
Poor pay and benefits.

What can you do to cope with stress in the workplace? Understanding the causes and effects of workplace stress is a necessary beginning.

In next week’s column, I will discuss techniques to assist individuals needing to meet this challenge.

Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D. Copyright 1999