Workplace Stress Paper Example

Introduction

Workplace stress is a common phenomenon beleaguering most of the workers as they embark on the execution of their duties. Hicks and Caroline (2007) stress as a person's reaction towards a particular situation, with a perception that the demands for such a situation are greater than the available resources to cope with it. Workplace stress is typically a damaging physical and emotional which happens whenever there is a conflict between job demands and the available constraints an employee requires to accomplish such demands. The deficit between the job demands and one's low amount of control over a given situation results to stress. I have learned that work-related stress is harmful and distractive to the person's ability to function normally which can translate into declined performance levels. In this reflection paper, I will focus on exploring the common causes of workplace stress and effective management strategies that can be utilized for stress mitigation.

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Excessive workloads, coupled with unrealistic deadlines are among the primary causes of workplace stress. I realized that tight deadlines, staff shortages, and unplanned organizational growth could create more workload for the same workforce. Hicks and Caroline (2007) demonstrated that heavy workload is the primary contributor to workplace stress. Increased workload leaves employees drained and frustrated due to possible failure of meeting job targets, ultimately experiencing burnout, which can adversely affect one's mental health (George, 2017). I also think the enormous workload creates anxiety among the workers, which can translate into mounting pressure to deliver required outcomes within the specified timeline. Employees will be compelled to work beyond their efforts, which implies taking extra time. This can lead to relationship breakdown amongst the overworked staff, resulting in psychological issues that amount to stress.

I also identified financial concerns as another critical contributor to workplace stress which is a widespread experience for both employers and employees. This includes coping with unexpected expenses, paying for basic needs and saving for the retirement. Whenever a person finds it difficult to pay for particular essentials, such overheads would become stressful. An individual beleaguered with debts are likely to be anxious and less sleepy, which can be harmful to one's health, thus failing to execute assigned tasks effectively (Trevor Hicks, 2007). Workplace bullying is also a cause of stress at work, which can be characterized by physical harm and hurting remarks to the victims. The affected people are in constant fear of being harassed, ridiculed, criticized or excluded at the workplace, which is stressful.

I considered the 4 A's (Avoid, Alter, Adapt and Accept) as the viable and effective stress management method. It is important for a person to avoid situations that might trigger unnecessary work-related stress. For instance, in a scenario where a person accumulates unwanted debts, it would important to shun them since they contribute to stress which can be avoided. Altering is another way of mitigating workplace stress. Altering the situation is also another technique of coping with workplace stress. Some stressors cannot be avoided, hence the need to alter them through changed way of communicating or operating (George, 2017). For example, if the huge workload is the stressor, I would approach the management to find a solution instead of bottling them up. This will also involve adapting to the stressor, thus gaining my sense of control over a given situation. From these approaches, I have realized that creativity enhances stress mitigation. An individual needs to devise creative approaches to ensure he adapts, avoids or alter the stressor stimuli that are considered to be key contributors of workplace stress.

Conclusion

Workplace stress is detrimental to one's health and overall productivity. It is imperative to implement suitable stress management methods which target at reducing stress severity through restorative and preventive techniques. This implies that creativity is essential when applying these techniques to ensure the critical stress contributors are resolved.

References

George, R. (2017). The Effects of a Heavy Workload on Employees. Bizz Journal , 1-3.

Trevor Hicks, M. C. (2007). A Guide to Managing Workplace Stress. Universal-Publishers.