The concept of work-related stress has been around for many years and remains a growing problem worldwide that affects not only employees but organizations too. It arises when work demands can exceed the person’s capacity and capability to cope, often resulting in lasting consequences. Having inadequate coping resources is the root of this reaction.
Typically, work-related stress manifests in various ways, but common causes can include the following:
- Very sudden deadlines
- Social isolation
- Gender Discrimination, Bullying, Harassment or Violence
- Stereotypes
- High-Risk jobs
- Unpleasant relationships with the boss or colleagues
- Constant Work Contact
Unfortunately, these factors cannot resolve quickly because each case is unique to the individual involved, so it is vital to take heed of the signs and symptoms that indicate the presence of stress, such as a change in mood or increased anxiety. But that’s not the only thing that work-related stress can cause.
Other Symptoms Include:
- Poor Memory
- Concentration Problems
- High Blood Pressure
- Muscle Tension
- High Cholesterol
- Poor Sleeping Patterns
- Abnormal absences from work
- Late arrival
- Changes in eating habits
- Increased use of drugs and alcohol
Prolonged stress can lead to physical and mental illness. Therefore, you must pay attention to these symptoms. Be sure to speak to the appropriate individuals necessary to seek help. The consequences of work-related stress can occur at both an individual and an organizational level, which include:
- Poor psychological and emotional outcomes
- Poor physical health
- Behavioural impairment
- Poor motivation
- An increase in employee complaints
- A decrease in productivity
However, work-related stress is a management issue. Employers need to recognize the symptoms of stress in the company so that they can take steps to ensure that employees are not subject to unnecessary stress. Providing a safe working environment is one of the many steps a company can take to improve the well-being of its employees. One can do this by devising a stress management policy in consultation with employees and including several valuable benefits that can better alleviate stress in trying work environments.
These benefits can include a corporate concierge, which allows employees to focus on their deadlines when needed. Resulting in reduced symptoms, increased productivity and greater work engagement.
On an individual level, it’s essential to keep track of your stressors, as it allows you to find patterns and how you react to them. In addition, it’s critical to recharge so that you can return to work feeling rested and reinvigorated – that means staying away from anything work-related during your days off or vacations and focusing on yourself instead.
Taking time to relax through meditation or deep breathing exercises helps relieve much of the stress you might be feeling daily. In addition, once you get into the habit of focusing on just a single activity, you can apply that focus to other aspects of your life.
It’s important to realize that you don’t have to go it alone. Support from a professional, colleagues, your employer, and utilizing a concierge can all be ways to help take some of the strain off your daily life by addressing tasks you may not have the time to complete on schedule. Knowing there are options to help you reduce stress in your life can be a positive first step.
If you want to learn more about how a corporate concierge can benefit your organization and reduce work-related stress, feel free to contact us.
