Occupational stress, also known as work stress or job-related stress, affects workers in different ways. Occupational stress is not only linked to certain industries, but also varies according to the personal health histories of workers. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), typical causes of occupational stress include working long hours and job insecurity. Other causes of occupational stress may include problems with superiors or coworkers. One of the biggest consequences of occupational stress is missed work hours. Other consequences of occupational stress may include depression and other psychological problems, and health problems related to stress including heart disease and high blood pressure.
Significance
Occupational stress accounts for more than four times the number of sick days as regular illness, according to NIOSH. People who are experiencing occupational stress also use their health care benefits more, causing a rise in overall health care costs.
Types
NIOSH distinguishes occupational stress into three categories: anxiety, stress and neurotic disorders. Anxiety is caused by excessive stress, and neurotic disorders refers to mental health problems (including depression) that may be caused by occupational stress.
Risk Factors
NIOSH and the Centers for Disease Control both report that the services industry has the highest risk of occupational stress for workers. For example, in 2001, the CDC reports that 63.5 percent of reported cases of occupational stress were in the technical industry, sales industry and people working in administrative positions. Other risk factors for occupational stress may include females, non-minorities and the age of workers (workers under the age of 25-44 reported the most cases of occupational stress according to a CDC study in 2001).
Effects
Occupational stress not only affects the worker's emotional and physical health, but also the lives of his family, friends and coworkers. Occupational stress may also be linked to workplace violence: NIOSH reports that up to one-third of workers report some type of abuse or harassment in the workplace. Other effects of occupational stress may include alcohol and substance abuse.
Prevention/Solution
The emerging information on the consequences of occupational stress have led to a strategy known as "Work-Life Balance." This is a strategy that can be implemented by both workers and their employers. Workers can increase work-life balance by practicing stress relief exercises, putting limits on how much they will work, and spending more time with their families. Employers may also have work-life programs at work that may include employee assistance, on-site day care, flexible hours and wellness programs.
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