An employee will often be confronted by a number of stress factors. An organisation’s culture can be the key to determining the factors causing work-related stress. Is it because of long working hours, bringing work home, poor communication or management style? To mark Workplace Wellbeing Day on April 13th, 2018, our experts explore the most common causes of work-related stress.
Demands
If too much work is expected and insufficient resources provided, this can result in elevated stress levels. The work may be too difficult, or management may have inadequately trained the employee to complete the task.
Control of Work
A lack of control over the job can result in heightened stress levels, this may happen when the pace of work is set outside of the worker's capability.
Workplace Relationships
Some employees may have difficulty interacting or building relationships with existing staff. In some situations, this can lead to interpersonal conflicts, which could be down to a lack of communication.
Position & Training
Stress can develop at the induction stage if the position is not clearly defined or they do not fully understand what is expected. A lack of support from their surrounding colleagues and management, as well as an absence or inadequacy of training, can result in stress.
Result for Employers?
If stress embeds itself within the workplace it may result in: An increased number of employees calling in sick, which will reduce output and productivity. It will affect morale and motivation levels. High staff turnover and recruitment problems indicate a lack of control by management.
Solution to Stress
Employers should adopt a prevention, management and minimisation policy. This approach will look at the issues of stress, what is the source of stress and will help stop its reoccurrence. Find a balance between micro-management and a lack of engagement. Counselling and employee assistance programmes can help reduce workplace stress levels.
Peninsula’s Employee Assistance Programme is a confidential and compassionate support network available 24/7, 365 to support your staff members. To learn more, speak with our friendly specialists today on 0818 923 923
