Occupational stress

Occupational Stress

Occupational stress refers to the physical, mental and emotional wear and tear that individuals may experience due to the unique conditions or requirements of their respective jobs. It is a type of stress that is often associated with various health and performance issues, and is considered a major concern in occupational health and organizational psychology.

Definition

Occupational stress is defined as the harmful physical and emotional responses that occur when the requirements of the job do not match the capabilities, resources, or needs of the worker. This type of stress can lead to poor health and even injury.

Causes

The causes of occupational stress are varied and can be categorized into several types: task demands, role demands, interpersonal demands, and organizational structure and climate. Task demands are related to the job itself, such as workload, work pace, and job security. Role demands involve role ambiguity and role conflict. Interpersonal demands are related to interactions with others in the workplace, such as supervisors, colleagues, and customers. Organizational structure and climate refer to the organizational culture and the management style.

Effects

The effects of occupational stress can be detrimental to both the individual and the organization. For the individual, it can lead to physical health problems such as heart disease and mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. For the organization, it can result in decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and higher turnover rates.

Management

Management of occupational stress involves both individual and organizational strategies. Individual strategies may include stress management training, relaxation techniques, and counseling. Organizational strategies may involve job redesign, improving communication, and promoting a healthy work-life balance.

See also

• Job satisfaction
• Work-life balance
• Burnout (psychology)
• Workplace bullying

References

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  NIOSH Working with Stress Part 1 of 2

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  NIOSH Working with Stress Part 2 of 2

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  Deaths from Karoshi

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  Annual working time in OECD