Occupational Stress

What is Occupational Stress?

Occupational stress is a scenario wherein an employee experiences undesired physical and psychological effects at the workplace. This may occur due to responsibilities, working conditions, job demands, etc. Occupational stress could result in decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and increased rates of workplace accidents.

For example,

• One of the employees in a company did not perform well
• Whenever the managers talked with him, he felt anxious and could not answer
• When the employee was counseled, it was found that he was in depression, had job insecurity, and anxiety
• The employee was occupationally stressed

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the causes of occupational stress?

Employees of an organization can face occupational stress due to various reasons and factors. Some of the reasons are:

• Increase in the workload of employees
• Uncertainty of job
• Less pay
• Pressure from managers
• Micromanagement and multiple reporting managers
• Improper work environment and culture

What measures can be taken to reduce the stress at the workplace?

Stress could occur due to many reasons, and the organization needs to address it. Ways in which it could be reduced are:

• Conducting workplace surveys and knowing employees' thoughts and conditions
• Workshops and programs for employees' betterment
• Create a transparent work environment and culture
• Be aware of employees' desires and try to fulfill the possible ones
• Avoiding unnecessary work pressure
• Solving the issues of bullying or any discrimination

What effect does occupational stress have on the organization?

The growth and development of the organization get negatively impacted when employees are stressed. Its effects on the organization are:

• Decreased employee productivity
• Increased employee turnovers
• Work culture and the environment get unpleasant
• Organizational goals are not fulfilled
• Decreased profits