To help prevent stress for employees, you have to know what to look for. The following are signs of a stressful environment.
- The Design of Tasks
- Heavy workload, infrequent rest breaks, long work hours and shiftwork; hectic and routine tasks that have little inherent meaning, do not use workers’ skills, and provide little sense of control.
- Management Style
- Lack of participation by workers in decision making, poor communication in the organization, lack of family-friendly policies.
- Interpersonal Relationships
- Poor social environment and lack of support or help from co-workers and supervisors.
- Work Roles
- Conflicting or uncertain job expectations, too much responsibility, too many “hats to wear.”
- Career Concerns
- Job insecurity and lack of opportunity for growth, advancement, or promotion; rapid changes for which workers are unprepared.
- Environmental Conditions
- Unpleasant or dangerous physical conditions such as crowding, noise, air pollution, or ergonomic problems.
Source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Workforce, September 1999, Vol 78, No 9, p. 50 Subscribe Now!