What else?
Stress and the Workplace (extracted)
Mental Well-Being in the Workplace, Noeleen Doherty and Shaun Tyson 2001
Different people perceive different events as stressful. Therefore, stress may be experienced as a result of exposure to a wide range of work demands, and, in turn contribute to an equally wide range of health outcomes. It is important to understand that stress is a state, not an illness.
The Health & Safety Executive defines stress as “the reaction that people have to excessive pressure or other types of demand placed upon them. It arises when they worry that they can’t cope”. (Stress at Work A Guide for Employers 1995)
Individuals need a certain amount of arousal to remain alert and healthy, but when pressures exceed the person’s copying capacity, this can become harmful. The experience of stress can alter the way individuals think, feel and behave and can also produce changes in physiological functions. Thus, stress can involve both physical effects, such as: raised heart rate, gastrointestinal and skin conditions, headache and a lowering of resistance to infection, and behavioural effects such as: increased anxiety and irritability, impaired sleeping and concentration, verbal or physical aggression, competitiveness and impatience, reduced attention span and impaired memory. Individuals may also show a tendency to consume more alcohol, smoke more and use excesses of caffeine, or other stimulatory drugs such as amphetamines.
However, these effects are usually short term and cause no lasting harm. It is only when pressures are particularly intense and continue for a period of time, that the effects of stress can be damaging and lead to longer term psychological problems and physical ill health. Individuals who are exposed to prolonged stress can become increasingly vulnerable to mental health impairment. This can result in significant functional disturbances or risks for the development of clinical disorders, including:
- Mood disturbances – anxiety, depression
- Maladaptive behavioural and life style patterns
- Drug and alcohol abuse
- Physical / psychological dependence on alcohol or drugs
Recent research by Cooper/TUC (Arnold 1997) indicated that the most highly rated causes of stress in the work place are:
- 60% time pressures/deadlines
- 54% work overload
- 52% threat of job losses
- 51% lack of consultation or communication
- 46% under staffing
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is increasingly recognised as an important area for consideration. Live examples of cases are included below, to illustrate the types of work related events which can have an adverse impact at the individual mental well-being level (Lucas 1997/98).
Case 1
An adult education lecturer (BS, Msc), (48 yrs) was assaulted twice by a student. The lecturer sustained orthopaedic injuries, intrusive musclo (sic) skeletal pain, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and reduced functional effectiveness. These precluded work and had a seriously adverse effect on marital and domestic life.
Case 2
A CEO’s driver was involved in an horrendous road traffic accident, being propelled for some 300 yards, trapped and convinced he would die. He went to his GP, as debriefing was not provided by the employer. His condition deteriorated, he refused psychiatric referral, alcohol consumption increased and he made a suicide attempt, due to nightmares.
13.4 Million Days Lost to Stress (extracted)
From HSE Press Release C056:2, 10 December 2002
Of days lost due to illness, 13.4 million were attributed to stress, anxiety or depression in 2001.
This compares with 6 million days in 1995.
More info from www.hse.gov.uk
