Workplace stress

      People are working longer hours, taking their work home with them and are all-around more stressed in the workplace, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

      The CDC cites a Northwestern National Life study, which reports that one-fourth of employees view their jobs as the number one stressor in their lives. In the same article, the CDC also cites a study by St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company, which reports that, “Problems at work are more strongly associated with health complaints than are any other life stressor-more so than even financial problems or family problems.”

      The CDC defines job stress as “the harmful physical and emotional responses that occur when the requirements of the job do not match the capabilities, resources, or needs of the worker.”

Job stress, according to the CDC, can lead to higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders (back and upper extremity), psychological disorders, injuries at the workplace and some studies suggest a greater risk of suicide, cancer, ulcers and impaired immune function.

      The American Institute of Stress reported that The Seventh Annual Labor Day Survey about “Attitudes in the American Workplace VII”. The survey found that 80 percent of workers feel stress on the job and almost half of them admitted they need help in managing stress. Helpguide.org provides tips on how to deal with workplace stress:

1.       Recognize the warning signs

2.       Take care of yourself

a.       Regular exercise

b.      Eat healthy

c.       Get enough sleep

3.       Prioritize and organize tasks

For more tips on how to reduce workplace stress, check out helpguide.org.


By Emily Brown