Introduction

Stress can be defined as the body’s reaction to a real or perceived threat. It arises from our response to a situation rather than the situation itself. Nowadays, many employees face this problem in their work. It is important to explore this phenomenon to better understand it. What are the sources of workplace stress? What are its consequences? What are possible solutions?

Sources of Workplace Stress

Factors that can cause stress in the workplace include lack of recognition at work, lack of support, difficulty balancing work and personal life, work overload, lack of participation in decision-making, ambiguity of roles, decreased control, unpredictability, and an ego threat.

Consequences of Workplace Stress

The consequences of workplace stress are multiple and manifest on several levels. On the psychological level, they may include demotivation, isolation, loss of self-confidence, feelings of incompetence, and mood disturbances such as agitation, anxiety, irritability, and aggression. As for physical symptoms, they may include sweating, palpitations, muscle tension, stomach aches, headaches, weakened immunity, insomnia, and an increased risk of depression. The repercussions of workplace stress also affect the employer, leading to loss of productivity, absenteeism, and staff turnover.

Possible Solutions to Reduce Workplace Stress

To reduce workplace stress, the employer can consider the following solutions: explore the sources of stress present in the company and integrate physical activity into the workplace to help employees manage their stress. On the employee’s side, the solution to effectively combat stress boils down to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating balanced meals, engaging in physical exercise, drinking plenty of water, limiting tobacco and alcohol consumption, and getting sufficient sleep.

Conclusion

Stress is a phenomenon that affects many people in the workplace and negatively impacts their performance. It can be triggered by various factors, however, it is important to know that each person reacts differently to them. It is therefore important to better understand oneself in order to find a personal and adequate solution.