Navigating Stress Within the Workplace

Prevalence of Workplace Stress

The promotion of physical and psychological health in the workforce is crucial for the well-being of employees, their families, job performance, and the organizations/companies (Ismail et al., 2015; Tetrick &; Winslow, 2015). However, many individuals have experienced a number of stressors related to their workplace (APA, 2014). Short-term stress within the workplace is common. Many employees may experience stress or pressure to meet tight deadlines, give presentations, and/or make important decisions in their department, etc. (APA, 2014). However, these short-term stressors can become chronic and heightened, which can be extremely overwhelming and negatively impact an individual’s physical and psychological health (APA, 2014). Approximately one in four Canadians experience heightened stress related to their workplaces (Statistics Canada, 2017).

Common Factors that Influence Stress Within the Workplace

There are many different factors that influence stress within the workplace. Some of these factors include:

  •  Low salaries

  • Lack of opportunity for growth and development

  • Heavy workloads

  • Job insecurity

  • Workplace bullying

  • Lack of social support

  • Lack of control related to decision making

  • A lack of clarity surrounding performance expectations

  • Work that is not engaging or challenging

  • A lack of work/life balance

The Impact of Workplace Stress on Physical and Psychological Health

The impact of workplace stress can have harmful impacts on an individual’s health. Workplace stress has been associated with physical concerns such as cardiovascular disease, headaches, stomach aches, sleep disturbances, high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease, and a weakened immune system (APA, 2014; Goh et al., 2015; Lagrosen & Lagrosen, 2022). In addition, workplace stress has had negative impacts on psychological health such as depression, anxiety, short-temper, and difficulty concentrating (APA, 2014; Goh et al., 2015; Statistics Canada, 2017).

Tips to Help Navigate Stress Within the Workplace

  • Establish boundaries, schedule breaks, and refrain from taking work home with you to help encourage work-life balance and reduce stress and anxiety (APA, 2014).

  • Engage in open communication with supervisors and colleagues to help establish an effective plan to help manage workplace stress (APA, 2014).

  • Monitor and track your stressors. This can be helpful for you to understand the common workplace situations and/or tasks that create the most stress for you and help you understand your reactions and behaviours towards them (APA, 2014).

  • Implement relaxation techniques and take time for self care. Making time for hobbies, meditation, physical activity, deep breathing exercises, walking, and other mindfulness techniques can be beneficial to help distract your mind from workplace stress (APA, 2014).

  • Build a social support system. Social support can help protect against workplace stress and pressure (Lagrosen & Lagrosen, 2022). Accepting help from friends and family and talking to other individuals who hold common workplace experiences can be beneficial to understand that you are not alone (APA, 2014).

Remember, you are not alone. Workplace stress and anxiety is a common occurrence among employees in Canada. At our clinic, we have many therapists and interns who are part of our Pay What You Can Program like Angela, Cara, Melissa, and Rasha who can help with burnout and stress. If you are experiencing significant stress within the workplace and need support, please contact us at (647) 267-9853 for help along your healing journey.

References

American Psychological Association; APA. (2014, July 1). Coping with stress at work. https://www.apa.org/topics/healthy-workplaces/work-stress

Goh, J., Pfeffer, J., & Zenios, S. A. (2015). Workplace stressors & health outcomes: Health policy for the workplace. Behavioral Science & Policy, 1(1), 43-52.

Ismail, A., Saudin, N., Ismail, Y., Samah, A. J. A., Bakar, R. A., & Aminudin, N. N. (2015). Effect of workplace stress on job performance. Economic Review: Journal of Economics and Business, 13(1), 45-57.

Lagrosen, S., & Lagrosen, Y. (2022). Workplace stress and health–the connection to quality management. Total Quality Management & Business Excellence, 33(1-2), 113-126. https://doi.org/10.1080/14783363.2020.1807317

Statistics Canada. (2017, February 20). Infographic: Work-place stress. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/11-627-m/contest/finalists-finalistes_2-eng.htm

Tetrick, L. E., & Winslow, C. J. (2015). Workplace stress management interventions and health promotion. Annu. Rev. Organ. Psychol. Organ. Behav., 2(1), 583-603. http://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-orgpsych-032414-111341

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