Current studies show that work-related stress can affect many European workers in various employment sectors. In the report of the European Foundation for Working Conditions in the European Union, 28% of workers claim to suffer from stress-related health problems. It is the second most mentioned point after back pain.
What is stress?
Stress at work can be defined as the psychological, mental and/or physical response that can occur when the demands of the job exceed the abilities, skills, expectations or needs of the worker.
The concept of stress is sometimes confused with that of “challenge at work”, which not only does not have negative consequences for a person’s health, but can actually be beneficial.
What are the causes of stress?
Stress at work is the result of the continuous negative perception of the interaction between the working conditions and a certain person. It is important, therefore, to point out that the individual characteristics of the worker as opposed to the working conditions can result in diametrically opposed consequences.
- Differences in individual characteristics: Personality and coping style are fundamental for the diagnosis of certain working conditions as stressful, so that a stressful situation experienced by one person may not be problematic for another. This serves to guide the prevention strategies to be undertaken by workers.
- Working conditions: There is evidence that certain working conditions are stressful for many workers. We can emphatically point to overwork as the key to stress. We use this to establish a first strategy in the redesign of the workplace.
Working conditions that can generate stress
Task design
- Overload or underload of work:
- Lack of control over the rhythm.
- High levels of temporary pressure.
- Little variety or reduced work cycles:
- Fragmented or meaningless work.
- Under-use of qualifications.
- High uncertainty.
- Excessively rigid work programmes:
- Work without breaks or compensatory rest.
- Long work shifts or working outside the normal working hours.
- Work in shifts.
Management style
- Lack of definition of organisational objectives.
- Lack of worker participation in decision-making.
- Lack of communication.
- Low levels of support for problem solving and personal development.
- Lack of delegation of tasks.
Interpersonal relations
- Lack of help and support from colleagues and supervisors.
- Lack of social support.
Job role
- Conflicting or uncertain expectations at work.
- Perception of excess of responsibility.
Professional career
- Career stagnation.
- Lack of opportunity for promotion.
- Rapid promotion for those who are not yet ready.
- Low social value of work.
- Low salary.
Environmental conditions
- Unpleasant or harmful physical conditions: physical constriction, noise, poor air quality or ergonomic problems.
Actions to reduce stress
In order to improve working conditions, a change in the organisation of work is a priority, but this will not be enough to reduce the stress of all workers. For this reason it is necessary to focus on stress control at the same time.
Change in the organisation
It is the most direct strategy to reduce stress at work. Aspects of the job that can produce stress must be identified and strategies must be designed to reduce or eliminate them. The advantage of this strategy is that it leads directly to the identification of the sources of stress at work. Unfortunately, at the organisational level, it is difficult to commit to changes in work routines or organisational structure. The main prevention guidelines are as follows:
- Ensure that the workload is in accordance with the skills and abilities of the workers.
- The design of the work must be able to facilitate the stimulation and opportunity for the worker to use his or her skills and abilities.
- Improve communication on the development of the professional career.
- Prevent opportunities for social interaction between workers.
- Establish a work programme that is compatible with the needs and responsibilities outside work.
Stress management
- Coping programmes that enable people to resolve difficult situations at work.
- Information and training on stress.
- Facilitate individual counselling for workers with work-related and non-work-related problems.
Research on stress and health
Cardiovascular conditions
Many studies suggest that psychological demands at work, which allow workers excessive control of work processes, increase the risk of cardiovascular disorders.
Musculoskeletal disorders
Research by NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) and other organisations shows that stress at work increases the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders of the skeleton and upper extremities.
Psychological disorders
Some studies suggest that the incidence of problems such as depression and the burnout is related to the development of work activities with different levels of stress at work. (Economic and lifestyle differences between different occupations may also contribute to this difficulty).
Workplace injuries
Although studies continue to be carried out, it is increasingly clear that stressful working conditions interfere with the practice of safe work, increasing the general risk of accidents.
Suicide, cancer, ulcers and altered immune system
Studies have shown a link between stressful working conditions and these problems. However, more research is needed before firm conclusions can be drawn.
The University of Barcelona’s Training Office offers courses on stress management techniques, psychosomatic relaxation, time management and administration, and other related subjects as part of the training actions open to UB staff and teaching staff.
You can find more information at the Training Office website.