Job stress is one of the main places our stress often comes from. Just about everyone ends up dealing with some type of work stress or even job burnout and not only does it affect them at work, but through the rest of their life as well. All this stress has actually been found to cause fatigue and exhaustion, which can in turn make working even more stressful. It is a bad cycle that definitely needs to be broken.
People are Working Themselves to DeathThere are actually studies showing that some people are working themselves to death. In fact, in Japan, people actually die from working themselves to death. Of course today in the United States it doesn't seem to be so bad yet, but reports and research has found that about a ¼ of the job force is dealing with fatigue that lasts for weeks at a time. The reason for this fatigue - job stress. Studies also show that ¾ of people working today feel that their job is very stressful.
The Ties Between Work Stress and Fatigue
Many people working today deal with fatigue, but they often don't realize that stress at work is causing this fatigue to occur. Those who deal with job stress or who are going through job burnout not only deal with the stress at work, but they carry this stress with them all the time unless they find a way that they can get rid of it. Dealing with so much stress on a regular basis takes its toll on the body, causing the fatigue and exhaustion to occur.
Stress Affects All Levels of Workers
All levels of workers are affected by work related stress. It is not just limited to employees on one level. From line operators to managers, all are dealing with more stress than ever these days. Stress affects those making minimum wage and those making the big bucks. All the stress that is occurring on the job is causing burnout for many people. Job burnout is known to cause errors on the job, apathy, irritability, lack of energy, illness, little motivation, drug abuse, complaining, and more.
Why Job Burnout Occurs
So why is job stress and job burnout occurring on such a widespread level these days? There are several reasons. One reason is that many companies are having to downsize because of bad economic times, so they have fewer employees and they push those employees to the max to keep production up. This can cause a huge amount of stress. Sometimes people who choose the wrong jobs end up dealing with high stress and even burnout as well. Also, when people feel they no longer can control their work, they often deal with burnout.
If you are dealing with exhaustion and fatigue all the time, think about your job. It may be that job stress or even burnout is causing the problem. Take inventory of your job and whether you may need to find a way to reduce this stress in your life.
Stress on the job can be a hazardous physical and emotional response, that will occur when the job demands, and resources are inadequate on behalf of the worker's capabilities.Workplace stress disorders that are related to stress are very broad, especially when you include psychological disorders, some of these disorders are
Depression
Anxiety
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
The emotional conditions, fatigue and tension. These conditions can lead to poor performance on the job, and even injury. Many times problems at work are associated with health issues, more so than any other life stressors.
Blood is shunted to the brain and large muscle groups, and away from extremities, skin, and organs that are not currently serving the body.
An area near the brain stem, known as the reticular activating system, goes to work, causing a state of keen alertness as well as sharpening of hearing and vision.
Energy-providing compounds of glucose and fatty acids are released into the bloodstream.
The immune and digestive systems are temporarily shut down.
These are prevented methods:
Ensure that the workload is in line with workers' capabilities and resources.
Design jobs to provide meaning, stimulation, and opportunities for workers to use their skills.
Clearly define workers' roles and responsibilities.
Give workers opportunities to participate in decisions and actions affecting their jobs.
Improve communications-reduce uncertainty about career development and future employment prospects.
Provide opportunities for social interaction among workers.
Establish work schedules that are compatible with demands and responsibilities outside the job.
Combat workplace discrimination (based on race, gender, national origin, religion or language).
Bringing in an objective outsider such as a consultant to suggest a fresh approach to persistent problems.
Introducing a participative leadership style to involve as many subordinates as possible to resolve stress-producing problems.