Work Place Stress

Workplace Stress

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Introduction

Stress is a psychological factor and a common feature of almost every kind of work . But it is important to note that it was only in the mid-70s that industrial psychologists focused their attention on the importance of stress in the workplace

Significance of the study

Two reasons are suggested why there was a growing recognition of the importance of stress on the job . First , there is the general awareness that stress-related diseases have reached epidemic proportions . More people

die or are disabled today as a result of stress than at any other time . Because stress is so physically damaging and pervasive in people 's lives and because it is primarily psychological in nature the discipline of psychology as a whole and especially the specialty area of health psychology is interested in studying and treating stress and other psychosomatic diss (Chang et al , 2006

The second reason for the growing awareness of the importance of stress at work is practical . The effects of stress on the job are costly and are reflected in a lower productive efficiency . Stress has been known to reduce drastically employee motivation and the physical ability to perform the task well thus , increasing absenteeism , turnover , and tardiness (Cahill , 2003 Chang et al , 2006 Williams , 2003

Statement of the Problem

What is stress at work and how is this demonstrated in a particular individual worker ? What has personality trait or individual differences do with the development of stress as well as how do people cope with stress when the source is the place of work ? This attempts to define , describe and explain the nature of stress , factors that contribute to the development of stress in an individual , and in particular what job stress or stress in the workplace can do to an individual . In addition , this also seeks to look into the interventions that have been instituted and are applicable to workers and various organizational settings

Discussion The Nature of Stress

Inside the body , dramatic physiological changes take place under stress . Adrenalin , released from the adrenal glands , speeds up all bodily functions . Blood pressure rises , heart rate increases , and extra sugar is released to the bloodstream . The increased circulation of the blood brings additional energy to the brain and muscles , making us more alert and stronger sp that we can cope with the sudden emergency (Landy 1985

A stressful situation mobilizes and directs one 's energy beyond its normal level . But if a person remains in that state of supercharged energy for too long , the body 's reservoir of energy will dissipate . Rest is needed to replenish the energy supply (Williams , 2003

Prolonged stress leads to psychosomatic diss . Remember that psychosomatic diseases are not imaginary . They are real and involve specific tissue and organ damage even though their cause is psychological . In prolonged stress , the body may suffer physiological damage and the person may become ill (Landy , 1985

A . Individual Differences in Vulnerability to Stress

One factor that...