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More Evidence About the Effects of Workplace Stress

Stress is a hot topic. We've written about it, studied it, and its connection to job burnout. And we're obviously not the only folks delving into this issue. One of the more interesting posts I've read on this topic appeared recently on Jobacle's blog. The contributor used research from the American Institute of Stress (AIS) that "40 percent of worker turnover is the result of job stress, and some one million workers are absent each workday because of stress-related compliants."

After taking a look at the AIS study, I also found some eye-opening data from a 2000 Integra report stating:

• 12% had called in sick because of job stress
• Over half said they often spend 12-hour days on work related duties and an equal number frequently skip lunch because of the stress of job demands.
• 19% or almost one in five respondents had quit a previous position because of job stress and nearly one in four have been driven to tears because of workplace stress

Clearly, workplace stress is a problem. So the next obvious question is why? What exactly is causing all this stress in the workplace? The AIS site points to several reasons including longer hours in the office, as well as fears about job security and discord with co-workers.

According to another survey by St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company, teamwork and supervision problems were the most consistently and strongly related to burnout, health problems, and performance problems.  

So how should employees cope with job related stress? Fist of all, employees are given vacation time for a reason...to take a break from the office. Too many workers have the mindset that they can't take off because their managers will frown upon it, or their job will not be completed correctly without their presence. However, if you are too stressed to complete your work competently, you aren't doing yourself or your company any good.

Also, plan your weekends around doing something you enjoy instead of designated them from household chores or running errands. Weekends should best be used to read a book, go to the beach, or for pure relaxation.

Exercise is also a good stress reliever and helps not only combat stress, but keeps you healthy both physically and mentally.

Last but not least, it is important to remember that your job is just that...a job. If you feel that job stress is becoming too much, then you need to make a conscious effort to focus on relieving stress.