Understanding and Managing Work-Related Stress: Types, Causes, and Symptoms

 

Title: Understanding and Managing Work-Related Stress: Types, Causes, and Symptoms

T. M. Ogboye.

According to the World Health Organization (2023), stress can be defined as a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation. It is a psychological and physiological reaction to an event or condition that is considered a threat or challenge.


There are many types of stress, but for the purpose of this article, we will look at three types of psychological stress, which are:

Acute Stress: This happens when an individual is reacting to a new challenging situation. It is what you feel when you are given a new task or a deadline to complete a task.

Episodic Acute Stress: This occurs when acute stress is experienced frequently. An individual is always under pressure because of repeatedly tight work deadlines, leading to physical and mental exhaustion.

Chronic Stress: Aaron Kandola and Alina Sharon (2024) define chronic stress as a prolonged, often overwhelming feeling of stress that can negatively impact a person’s daily life. It is the result of stressors that continue for a long period of time.

Causes of Work Stress

1.    Heavy workload

2.    Long working hours

3.    Tight deadlines

4.    Job insecurity

5.    Lack of autonomy

6.    Over supervision

7.    Lack of working tools/resources

8.    Discrimination and harassment

9.    Poor relationship with colleagues or bosses

10. Changes within the organization

Signs of Work Stress

1.    Headache

2.    fatigue

3.    Sleep disturbances (insomnia)

4.    Job dissatisfaction

5.    Low morale and complaints

6.    Difficulty in concentration

7.    Substance abuse (engaging in excessive alcohol, cannabis, etc.)

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