Occupational Stress

R.GNANESHWARI

IntroductionDefinition Occupational 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”

Stressor- an event or set of conditions that cause stress response

Stress- body’s physiological response Strain-body’s longer term reaction to chronic stress

Sources of stress at workIntrinsic to job

•Work overload •Time pressure

Role in organization

•Role ambiguity•Role conflict

Career development

•Lack of job security•promotions

Relationship at work

•Delegation responsibility•Superior subordinate

Org. structure & climate

•Lack in decision making •Effective coordination

Causes Low salaries Heavy workloads Job security Work/life balance Extra time Unrealistic job expectations Managers inability to recognize & solution for stress Lack of opportunity for growth and advancement

How Stress Affect You.?Physical Symptoms

Headaches Stomach Problem Eating Disorder Fatigue Muscle Ache

Psychological & behavioral Anxiety Irritability Low Morale Depression Alcohol &

Drug Use Feeling Powerless

If Exposure To Stressors Continues

Physical Condition

Heart Disease Stroke Diabetes Asthma Immune System

Dysfunction

Psychological & behavioral

Serious depression Suicidal behavioral Domestic violence Alcohol abuse Burnout Unmotivated

Overall effects….. Disability and Accidents Workers' Compensation Claims Absenteeism Presenteeism Less productivity Financial return

Gender Influence Both men and women are prone to same amount of stressors

at workplace But the influence of stress is more upon females.

Causes of Stress in Women Dual responsibilities of professional as well as family life Decimation on basis of gender at workplace Inability to take up better or different jobs due to family

pressure Mentally weak Harassments

Managing the Occupational Stress

New Technology Shift Work Working Conditions Queen Bee Syndrome Deadlines Commuting to Work Job Satisfaction Job Security Boredom

Being the Boss Accepting New Jobs Longer Working

Hours Lack of Enthusiasm

Methods to Combat Occupational Stress

Individual Basis Balance between work and family or personal life Create support network of friends and coworkers and talk

out openly Maintain relaxed and positive outlook/attitude Have realistic expectations Have a balanced diet Practice relaxation and meditation Have thorough medical check up at frequent intervals

Corporate Basis

Praise and appraisals for employees. Opportunities for career development Talk to individual employees, if possible or else to their first

supervisors Carry on group discussions with employees Measure employee perceptions of job, working conditions,

stress, satisfaction for the employees Analyze the data and identify the problem Find out remedial measures