Employers have a legal obligation to protect employees from occupational stress by assessing the risks and taking appropriate preventive measures. Labor safety norms define stress as “an undesirable reaction of a person to excessive pressure and various responsibilities that are imposed on them.”
Employees experience stress when they are unable to handle the pressure. Employers should align job requirements with employees’ skills and knowledge. For example, employees may experience stress if they feel they lack the appropriate skills or sufficient time to complete a task. Having a plan, training, and support can mitigate the risks of stress.
In cases of poor risk management, six main factors can be identified that lead to stress: demands, control, support, relationships, role, and change. For instance, employees may report that they:
- Are unable to cope with the demands of their work.
- Experience a lack of work.
- Fear making mistakes or have unrealistic expectations placed upon them.
- Cannot control the timing of their work.
- Do not receive sufficient information and/or assistance.
- Have difficult relationships with colleagues or experience bullying.
- Do not fully understand their role and responsibilities.
- Are not informed about changes within the company.
Stress affects individuals differently—what causes stress in one person may not affect another. Factors such as skills and experience, age, or disabilities can influence how stress impacts an employee.
Stress has various manifestations, including:
- Psychological: Increased blood pressure, fatigue, sudden changes in weight, headaches, excessive sweating, neck and shoulder pain, dizziness, and lowered immunity.
- Emotional: Tension, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem.
Behavioral: Insomnia, aggressiveness, passivity, work conflicts, and absenteeism.
By actively communicating with employees and recognizing the signs of stress, employers can reduce stress risks in the workplace. Employers must assess health risks related to job stress and share the results of the risk assessment with employees. Following labor safety norms and management standards greatly simplifies the identification and management of the main causes of occupational stress.