Work Life
Job stress causes a worker to feel overly taxed both mentally and physically. It affects both workers and employers.
What Causes Job Stress?
* Too much work to do. Conflicting expectations.
* Lack of support from co-workers and bosses.
* Crowded, noisy, unsafe work conditions. Infrequent rest breaks.
* Rapid changes for which workers are not prepared. Job insecurity.
If not dealt with, job stress can lead to health problems.
Signs & Symptoms of Job Stress
* Hard time concentrating. Headache.
* Sleep problems. Stomach problems.
* Short temper.
* Job dissatisfaction. Low morale.
* Increase in being late for work or not going to work.
Ways to Manage Job Stress
* Schedule your time and tasks to be done. Use a calendar, planner, “TO DO” lists, etc. Rank order tasks. Break tasks down into steps. Check off items that are done.
* Organize your work space to make it easier to find things. Get rid of items and e-mails that you don’t need.
* Ask for help from your boss and co-workers, as needed. Ask your boss for the order in which your job tasks need to be done.
* Take breaks. Get enough sleep.
* Leave work at work. Try not to take work home. If this is not possible, take as little work home as you need to.
* Plan for and take vacations that give you a rest from work.
* Relax as much as you can.
Resources
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
800.CDC.INFO (232.4636)
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
800.321.OSHA (321.6742)
© American Institute for Preventive Medicine