Job Stress

Causes of Job Stress

People work to support themselves and their families financially. Many work so they could advance in their chosen careers.

However, in doing so, they are exposed to a lot of stressors. These stressors are the ones responsible for job stress.

There are a lot of factors that causes job stress. These factors fall into several categories.

The first category is stressful work practices. Workers get frustrated if they are not given control over the responsibilities that are entrusted to them. This means, they cannot exercise what they want to do on a given project. Discouraging work practices such as the lack of a clear job description, no recognition or reward of a good performance and the absence of opportunities to use personal talents add a lot to stress. Dissatisfaction and anxiety also occurs when workers are not given an opportunity to air out their problems and concerns. The frustration of keeping these problems and concerns concealed will strain their stress coping mechanism.

The next category of factors that causes job stress is too much pressure. Too often, employers give too much responsibility to their workers and give them unrealistic time frames. In an effort to appease their employers, workers try their hardest to accomplish their boss's demands. The need to impress or to accomplish these demands puts tremendous pressure on them. This causes a lot of job stress. The stress is further amplified if there is confusion due to a conflict of demands from different superiors.

Job stress can also be caused by harassment or bullying. Some fellow employees may tease, insult or even threaten others due to their sex, religion or race. Some insensitive employees may even spread malicious gossip in order to destroy another's good name. Abusive bosses may harass employees to show them his superiority. Acts like these produce immense stress for employees who are simultaneously trying to protect themselves and do their jobs. Aside from stress, harassment and bullying can cause the victim to lose his self confidence, his esteem and his respect towards himself.

Finally, the environment which employees work in can be a cause of job stress. Cramped, messy, noisy and dirty workplaces can often trigger stress. Otherwise, clean, wide and quiet areas can actually make someone relaxed at work.

If the area is unhealthy such as one with lots of dust and fumes from chemicals, stress can increase exponentially. These areas are health hazards and should be avoided. If not, safety equipment must be donned on.