Effects of Stress and Balancing Stress in the Workplace
Effects of Stress and Balancing Stress in the Workplace
1. Introduction
Stress is a very complex phenomenon. It is very much a personal condition and individuals vary in their ability to cope with different forms and levels of stress. In fact we all need some level of stress, as stimulus, to get going and live (Green 1993). However, higher levels of stress can greatly affect individual and organisational performance.
It is not a stress-free environment that organisations and individuals need to aim for at work but a stress-controlled one, which is beneficial for everybody. It is important for organisations to recognise this and apply appropriate methods and processes to reduce stress. Creation of an inclusive, participative, inspirational and respectful work environment would not only reduce stress at work but also improve individual and organisational performance.
2. How Does Stress Affect Performance?
This section explains the linkage between stress and performance. A specific work related definition by the US National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH 1999) defines work stress as the harmful physical and emotional responses that occur when the requirements of the job do not mach the capabilities, resources and the needs of the worker. Stress can lead to poor health and even injury. A certain degree of stress is necessary for good mental and physical health. This is termed ‘eustress’. To much stress can lead to ‘distress’. Hawkins (1994, p.14) states that ‘…too much or too little stress can have deleterious effects on performance with resultant effects on the health of the individual and the organisation.’ (see Figure 2.1)
Stress can arise in white as well as blue-collar occupations. Surveys have found little difference between white and blue-collar workers in terms of somatic complaints, health, life satisfaction, depression or other indicators of stress (Jones 1999). However, sources of stress are thought to differ between white and blue-collar workers.
According to the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI 1990), sources of work-related stress can be grouped into four general categories:
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Work load - too much work; too little work; work too difficult; work too easy.
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Work conditions - organisational structure; office politics; poor job design; organisational culture; low work control and autonomy.
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Work patterns - shift works; repetitive work; machine-paced work.
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Work roles - role ambiguity; conflicting job demands; conflict between job and personal commitment.
American Psychological Association (APA 1996) reported that in recent insurance industry studies, nearly half of American workers say their job is “very or extremely...