Stress
The Health and Safety in Employment Act focuses on reducing potential harm from stress, not on stress itself. Employers are not responsible for managing all the stress in their employee's lives but they are required to do what is practicable to manage known and unacceptable risks.
Stress is a natural occurrence in life and coping with everyday stress is necessary for growth and development. Some stress or pressure can motivate us to meet a deadline or work more efficiently. However too much stress can leave us feeling run down, tired and exhausted.
When people say they are stressed that is when their reaction has gone from positive to negative. They are in "distress". If this is not recognised and acted on, then illness may occur.
Stress is caused by the body's 'fight or flight' instinct. This is good in emergencies, such as getting out of the way of a speeding car, but when people feel unable to cope with the pressures placed upon them, stress is a negative influence that causes physical and mental ill health. This includes anxiety, fear, depression, headaches, an upset stomach, insomnia, fatigue, ulcers, high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.
Some workplace stressors
One of the major causes of stress in the workplace is feeling that things are beyond our control. Advances in technology bring many advantages, but they are also a major contributor to daily stress.
Other stressors that may arise from the workplace include: - Overload - 'too much work, too little time'.
- Relationships - friction with workmates, bosses, juniors.
- Responsibilities - too many, too few, having to take responsibility for other people, no set limits.
- Conflicts - between work roles, job demands, and juggling the balance between work and home life (shifts, overtime etc).
- Difficulties - complicated tasks, poor training, feeling isolated or undervalued.
- Changes in role or organisation (e.g. restructuring); promotions, transfers, working hours.
- Bullying or harassment.
- Not being able to talk to anyone about stress, health or mental health problems.
- Conditions - noise, dirt, mess, dangers, temperature.
Department of Labour publications on stress in the workplace.
SPARC Stress-less Tips
New Ministry of Health resource Coping with Financial Stress
Warning Signs
|
The physical warning signs of too much stress include: |
The mental warning signs of too much stress include: |
|
headaches |
inability to relax |
|
insomnia |
poor concentration and memory |
|
tiredness |
difficulty in finishing tasks |
|
palpitations |
irritability |
|
heavy sweating |
impulsive behaviour |
|
tight and painful muscles |
depressed moods |
|
constipation |
|
|
indigestion |
|
|
loss of sexual desire |
|
|
skin rash |
|
|
high blood pressure |
|
Click the following link for a Six point stress management plan.
|