Posts Tagged ‘stress in the workplace’
We are at that time of year where stress can be a major problem for a lot of us. The real cost of stress in the workplace can be measured in dollars. In the US, it has been reported that workplace stress costs the nation more than $300 billion each year in health care and missed work. This cost of stress price tag is made up from accidents, absenteeism, employee turnover, diminished productivity, direct medical, legal, and insurance costs and workers’ compensation awards. Workplace stress can come from many avenues but a major one apart from increasing credit card debt and the usual post christmas debt etc, is finding yourself unemloyed at the worst time of year.
There are some signs you should watch out for if you think you are feeling stress at work. The major ones are:
| 1.Frequent headaches, jaw clenching or pain |
26. Insomnia, nightmares, disturbing dreams |
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| 2. Â Gritting, grinding teeth | 27. Difficulty concentrating, racing thoughts | |
| 3. Â Stuttering or stammering | 28. Trouble learning new information | |
| 4. Tremors, trembling of lips, hands | 29. Forgetfulness, disorganization, confusion |
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| 5. Â Neck ache, back pain, muscle spasms | 30. Difficulty in making decisions. | |
| 6. Â Light headedness, faintness, dizziness | 31. Feeling overloaded or overwhelmed. | |
| 7. Â Ringing, buzzing or “popping sounds | 32. Frequent crying spells or suicidal thoughts |
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| 8. Â Frequent blushing, sweating | 33. Feelings of loneliness or worthlessness | |
| 9. Â Cold or sweaty hands, feet | 34. Little interest in appearance, punctuality |
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| 10. Dry mouth, problems swallowing | 35. Nervous habits, fidgeting, feet tapping | |
| 11. Frequent colds, infections, herpes sores | 36. Increased frustration, irritability, edginess |
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| 12. Rashes, itching, hives, “goose bumps” | 37. Overreaction to petty annoyances | |
| 13. Unexplained or frequent “allergy” attacks |
38. Increased number of minor accidents | |
| 14. Heartburn, stomach pain, nausea | 39. Obsessive or compulsive behavior | |
| 15. Excess belching, flatulence | 40. Reduced work efficiency or productivity | |
| 16. Constipation, diarrhea | 41. Lies or excuses to cover up poor work | |
| 17. Difficulty breathing, sighing | 42. Rapid or mumbled speech | |
| 18. Sudden attacks of panic | 43. Excessive defensiveness or suspiciousness |
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| 19. Chest pain, palpitations | 44. Problems in communication, sharing | |
| 20. Frequent urination | 45. Social withdrawal and isolation | |
| 21. Poor sexual desire or performance | 46. Constant tiredness, weakness, fatigue | |
| 22. Excess anxiety, worry, guilt, nervousness |
47. Frequent use of over-the-counter drugs | |
| 23. Increased anger, frustration, hostility | 48. Weight gain or loss without diet | |
| 24. Depression, frequent or wild mood swings |
49. Increased smoking, alcohol or drug use | |
| 25. Increased or decreased appetite | 50. Excessive gambling or impulse buying
Source: http://www.http://www.stress.org |
Tackling the cost of stress in the workplace should be the concern of every manager in the company. Management should take some responsibility in this area. If you can identify the sources of stress to your workers, you can limit the amount of money it’s going to cost your company in wasted sick leave, time off work payments and the worst one of the lot, workers compensation payments. Stress reduction should be a goal this year for every company and if you as a responsible manager take the lead in this, your upper management will thank you for it. While you cannot eliminate stress in the workplace altogether, there is a lot you can do to minimize its impact on your company.
Posted in Management Articles For Managers | Tags: cost of stress, stress, stress in the workplace, workplace stress | 
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