Workplace Stress: The Good and Bad of It

Impossible deadlines, long hours, unrealistic work demands, layoffs, budget cuts and office politics - it’s really not surprising, then, that even after working the whole day, you now lie awake at night worrying about work.

Workplace stress is globally recognised as a major challenge affecting not only employees’ productivity and performance but also their mental and physical well-being.

Understanding the Difference Between Stress and Pressure at Work

Some amount of workplace stress is normal and expected. In fact, the term ‘stress’ is often confused with the term ‘pressure’ or ‘challenge’. Pressures or challenges are those work-related demands which you find acceptable, and which help you stay alert and motivated. However, when the level of pressure increases to unmanageable or unacceptable levels, you are likely to experience stress.

Causes of Workplace Stress

• Prolonged conflict with colleagues; harassment or bullying in the workplace
• Work overload or underload; conflicting demands at work or unclear performance expectations
• Uncomfortable working conditions and inflexible/over-demanding work schedules
• Fear of being laid off; a high degree of uncertainty about jobs and career prospects
• Torn loyalties between work and home

Signs of Workplace Stress

We already know that not all stress is bad - nor does everyone react to the same set of stressors in the same way. However, what is critical is to understand your own level of tolerance by recognising the following negative signs of stress:

• Frequent aches and pains
• Anger outbursts and agitation at work
• Feeling unpleasant emotions at or about work, or wishing to avoid it on most days
• Difficulty in managing worry or nervousness
• Unintended changes in sleep and appetite, feeling fatigued
• Decreased levels of motivation, performance and concentration
• Increase in errors in work
• Wishing to quit work due to strain and lack of support

Effects of Workplace Stress

When left unaddressed for prolonged periods of time, workplace stress can lead to:

• Burnout or extreme exhaustion, often combined with a loss of motivation
• Decreased immunity
• Accelerated ageing
• Increased risk of hypertension and diabetes
• Increased risk of substance abuse
• Increased risk of obesity, cardio-pulmonary and gastrointestinal diseases
• Increased risk of severe psychological concerns

If you experience some or all of these signs, it might be helpful for you to read about the different strategies to manage workplace stress, such as practising relaxation, working more efficiently, addressing your unpleasant emotions and striving to establish work-life balance.

In some cases, the stress may be so severe or chronic - or there may be other underlying concerns - that these strategies might fail to work. In case you find that the suggested strategies are not working for you, you might find counselling or therapy helpful in empowering you with skills to identify, understand, and cope with stress.