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Work-related stress is a growing problem around the world that affects not only the health and well-being of employees, but also the productivity of organisations. Work-related stress arises where work demands of various types and combinations exceed the person’s capacity and capability to cope. Work-related stress is the second most common compensated illness/injury in Australia, after musculoskeletal disorders. Work-related stress can be caused by various events. For example, a person might feel under pressure if the demands of their job (such as hours or responsibilities) are greater than they can comfortably manage. Other sources of work-related stress include conflict with co-workers or bosses, constant change, and threats to job security, such as potential redundancy. In Australian, more than $133.9 million was paid in benefits to workers who had made claims related to workplace stress during the 2004/2005 tax year. According to the National Health and Safety Commission, work-related stress accounts for the longest stretches of absenteeism. What one person may perceive as stressful, however, another may view as challenging. Whether a person experiences work-related stress depends on the job, the person’s psychological make-up, and other factors (such as personal life and general health). The signs or symptoms of work-related stress can be physical, psychological and behavioural. Physical symptoms include:
Psychological symptoms include:
Behavioural symptoms include:
What are the main work-related stressors?All the following issues have been identified as potential stressors at workplaces. A risk management approach will identify which ones exist in your own workplace and what causes them. They include:
Some of the factors that commonly cause work-related stress include:
Self-help for the individualA person suffering from work-related stress can help themselves in a number of ways, including:
Benefits of preventing stress in the workplace
It is important for employers to recognise work-related stress as a significant health and safety issue. A company can and should take steps to ensure that employees are not subjected to unnecessary stress, including:
Where to get help
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From other websitesContent disclaimerContent on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. Which of the following is a difference between task demands and role demands as stressors at work?Which of the following is a difference between task demands and role demands as stressors at work? Task demands are associated with the specific job a person performs, whereas role demands are associated with the behaviors expected of a person in a particular position in an organization.
Which of the following statements is true of information technology being a cause of stress at work?Which of the following statements is true of information technology being a cause of stress at work? It results in information overload. In her job as a flight attendant, Cotney is required to be on her feet for long periods of time.
What are 3 things that may cause you stress in the workplace?Some of the factors that commonly cause work-related stress include:. Long hours.. Heavy workload.. Changes within the organisation.. Tight deadlines.. Changes to duties.. Job insecurity.. Lack of autonomy.. Boring work.. What are the 4 sources of work stress?The Top 4 Biggest Sources of Workplace Stress. Safety of others (16 percent). Deadlines (20 percent). Workplace environment (21 percent). Unpredictability (26 percent). |