1. STRESS AT
WORKPLACE.
OB project by Miss Ruhi Rajesh Sawardekar.
Roll no: 28 MBA 1.
Under the guidance of prof. Karuna Jadhav.
2. WHAT IS WORKPLACE STRESS?
• Workplace stress can be 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.
• Work-related stress is the response people may have when presented with work demands and
pressures that are not matched to their knowledge and abilities and which challenge their ability
to cope. Stress occurs in a wide range of work circumstances but is often made worse when
employees feel they have little support from supervisors and colleagues, as well as little control
over work processes.
3. CAUSES OF WORKPLACE STRESS.
Stress at job can have various origins or come from just one aspect of a worker’s responsibilities. And its effects are
far-reaching: Workplace stress can affect both employers and their employees. The economy is currently on the
upswing, but job security was uncertain in not-so-distant years. Downsizing, layoffs, mergers and bankruptcies occur
in industries and companies of all types; this means big changes for workers. Even when job loss does not occur,
employees may face increased responsibility, higher production demands, fewer benefits, pay cuts and more. In
general, this creates an environment of stress around the office. Some of the causes of job stress identified by the
CDC and APA include the following:
1. Low morale: When morale is low, workers often feel powerless. This in turn makes them complacent, and
productivity suffers. Some of the most stressful jobs include secretary, waiter, middle manager, police officer
and editor. These occupations are all marked by the service aspect of responsibilities: These professionals
must respond to the demands and timelines of others with little control over events. Common to these types of
careers are feelings of too little authority, unfair labor practices and inadequate job descriptions.
2. Management style: Another factor in stressful work situations is management style. When a workplace has poor
communication and employees are not included in decision-making processes, workers don’t feel supported by
their coworkers and employers. In addition, a lack of family-friendly policies can lead to increased stress due to
effects on work-life balance.
4. 4. Job responsibilities: How tasks are assigned and carried out is a big contributor to workplace
stress. This includes heavy workload, infrequent breaks, long hours and shifts, unnecessary routine
tasks, ignoring workers’ skills and more. When job expectations are uncertain or conflicting,
employees feel they have too much responsibility and too many “hats to wear.”
5. Career concerns: Another factor in workplace stress is career concerns such as job insecurity or
lack of advancement opportunities. Rapid changes with little or no learning curve are also identified
by the CDC as problematic.
6. Traumatic events: While not ideal, it is true that some jobs are more dangerous than others. Many
criminal justice professionals, firefighters, first responders and military personnel experience
stressful situations and personal risk every day. Occasionally, this can cause ordinary
responsibilities to become difficult. For that reason, positions such as those listed above are
particularly stressful.
7. Work environment: Most of the previous causes of workplace stress are emotional; however, a
subpar work environment can create physical stress as well. Whether this is related to noise, lack
of privacy, poor temperature control or inadequate facilities, work setting is critical in lowering
workplace stress.
5. SYMPTOMS OR SIGNS OF STRESS.
In recent decades, researchers have studied the relationship between job stress and physical illness. Examples
include sleep disturbances, upset stomach and headache, as well as compromised relationships with family and
friends. Other symptoms include:
• Headaches
• High blood pressure
• Indigestion
• Insomnia
• Irritability
6. • Depression
• Short attention span
• Loss of appetite
• Procrastination
• Increased use of alcohol and drugs
• Poor job performance
7. EFFECTS OF WORKPLACE STRESS.
• Job dissatisfaction.
• Employee turnover.
• Reduced efficiency.
• Absenteeism.
• Lack of motivation or creativity.
8. Effects of stress on chronic disease are less obvious because these ailments develop over time and can be caused
by many different factors. However, data is beginning to show that stress plays an important role in many common
but serious health problems. According to the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, health care
costs are nearly 50 percent higher for workers who report high levels of stress. The following are some of the long-
term negative effects of stress.
• Cardiovascular disease: Psychologically demanding jobs that give employers little control over work processes
increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, according to the Encyclopedia of Occupational Health and Safety.
• Musculoskeletal disorders: It is believed that stress increases the risk of back and upper-extremity
musculoskeletal disorders.
• Psychological disorders: Several studies suggest that differences in mental health problems for various
occupations are due to differences in job stress levels. Such problems include depression and burnout.
• Workplace injury: There is also a concern that stressful working conditions can interfere with safety practices and
increase the risk of injury at work.
• Suicide, cancer, ulcers and immune function: Some studies suggest that there is a relationship between workplace
stress and these health problems, but more research is needed to draw firm conclusions.
9. REACTIONS TO DIFFERENT LEVELS OF
STRESS.
Moderate stress
Excess stress.
Too little stress
• Poor performance.
• Dysfunctional behavior.
• Health problems.
• High performance.
• Job satisfaction.
• Involvement.
• Optimum performance.
• Poor performance.
• Dysfunctional behavior.
TOO LITTLE STRESS OR TOO MUCH STRESS BOTH ARE HARMFUL.
10. WAYS TO DEAL WITH STRESS AT
WORKPLACE.
1. Start your day off right
2. Be clear on requirements.
3. Stay away from conflict.
4. Stay organized.
5. Be comfortable.
6. Forget multitasking.
7. Walk at lunch.
8. Keep perfectionism in check
9. Listen to music on drive home.
10. Take time to recharge.
11. Talk to your supervisor.
12. Get some support.
