Employers must mitigate risks for their workers according to OSHA regulations. Unfortunately, some regulations do not protect workers against stress and stress-related illnesses effectively. Many workers fall through the system’s cracks because of inferior company policies that do not help the workers. By reviewing 10 leading causes of stress in the workplace, employers learn better ways to help their workers.
- Long Work Hours
Longer than average work hours can induce stress for workers. In organizations such as factories, workers are expected to work excessive overtime hours to complete client projects. This could increase stress levels because workers do not get adequate rest and downtime from work. With physical labor, it could be mentally and physically taxing for the workers. Companies could offer Corporate Massage options for overworked employees.
- Hostile Work Environments
Hostile work environments create stress for all parties involved. Hostile work environments are born of violence, sexual harassment, and hostilities between co-workers. Many companies do not policies to protect against hostile work environments or to protect the workers properly. This could create high-stress levels in workers and increase their risk of cardiovascular disease and hypertension.
- Job Insecurity
Job insecurity presents high-stress conditions for workers, too. If they do not know if they will be terminated or laid off, it could increase stress for workers and make it difficult to complete work tasks. Workers who are unsure of their financial future experience high-stress levels.
- Inferior Crisis Management
Crisis management in the workplace is necessary for all workers who face a crisis during work hours. Whether they are experiencing anxiety, depression, or mental health difficulties, the employer needs a policy in place to help workers get through these circumstances. Workers facing a crisis without help in the workplace remain stressed and may face more dire circumstances.
- Fewer Promotional Opportunities for Workers
Fewer promotional opportunities at work increase stress levels for workers. They work long hours every day for years, and the workers don’t have a chance to get a promotion or an increase in pay. This often makes workers feel like they are on the hamster wheel going nowhere.
- Tight Deadlines and Higher Than Average Performance Expectations
Tight deadlines and unrealistic performance expectations are highly stressful for workers. They may encounter angry supervisors or managers who are disappointed that work tasks were not completed according to an accelerated deadline. The stress from these expectations and angry managers could increase the risk of heart attacks, hypertension, and strokes.
- A Lack of Services to Complete Job Duties
Workers who do not have adequate tools or services to complete job tasks face higher stress levels. Under the circumstances, workers may have to share resources and have to wait to complete their work tasks.
- Discrimination in the Workplace
Discrimination in the workplace presents stressors and hostile workplaces. Discrimination in the workplace is illegal, but if it is not mitigated properly, workers could face unnecessary stress at work.
- A Higher Risk of Work-Related Injuries
Workers in dangerous workplaces increase the risk of work-related injuries. Construction workers face high stress environments because of the greater risk of injuries and fatalities.
- Micromanagement of the Workers
By micromanaging workers, managers and supervisors increase stress for the workers. It is recommended that managers and supervisors explain work tasks and leave workers to complete the tasks on their own.
Stress in the workplace could lead to a myriad of illnesses that increase serious health risks. Excessive stress could lead to cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and strokes. By reviewing the risks, employers can find better solutions and keep workers safer.
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
