Read these staggering statistics about job stress ... 40% of job turnover is due to stress. Health care expenditures are nearly 50% greater for workers who report high levels of stress. More than 60% to 80% of accidents on the job are stress related.
Job stress and your health
Research says job stress leads to serious health issues such as cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders, psychological disorders, workplace injury, suicide, cancer, ulcers, and impaired immune function.
Early warning signs of job stress
Do you have continuing headaches, sleep disturbances, difficulty in concentrating, short temper, upset stomach, job dissatisfaction and/or low morale? If yes, it's time to guess possible causes and seek help.
Bad management causes stress by...
...giving employees conflicting or uncertain job expectations, too much responsibility and too many "hats to wear." Beware of management that creates work environments with a lack of participation by workers in decision-making, poor communication in the organization, lack of family-friendly policies, poor social environment and lack of support or help from co-workers and supervisors.
Avoid situations that cause job stress...
...such as doing a job that does match your knowledge, skills, abilities and personality. Other stressors include heavy workloads, infrequent rest breaks, long work hours and shift-work; hectic and routine tasks that have little inherent meaning, and provide little sense of control; job insecurity and lack of opportunity for growth, advancement, or promotion; rapid changes for which you are unprepared.
Ask for help at work for stress
Talk with your boss and/or someone from human resources. Ask about stress management training or employee assistance programs. Perhaps you can change your job responsibilities, work schedule or even your boss.
Personal strength training reduces job stress
Eat right, exercise and get plenty of rest. Cut the alcohol, caffeine, calories and fat. Add regular physical workouts. Mix with some good social fellowship. Followed by a good night's rest. The better you feel, the better you can deal - with job stress.
Prayer power overcomes job stress
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
