MARCH-APRIL , 2023 | THE HEALTH
21
Stress in the workplace
It can have severe consequences for employees and employers if not addressed
MINDTALK
BY DR ROZANIZAM ZAKARIA
ADAM is a senior medical officer who works in private practice . He was passionate about his clinical work and has always been regarded as a passionate doctor . Over the last few months , there have been significant changes in the workplace . As a result of the recent pandemic , the new management is struggling financially and has had to cut down the number of staff and create different work procedures that Adam disagrees with .
This has caused many interpersonal conflicts between Adam and his management . What made it worse was that Adam felt unsupported at his workplace , as his other co-workers made complaints that Adam had communication issues that made others find him difficult to work with .
Due to these changes , he has started losing focus on his work . He has been missing from work , made mistakes with his documentation , and expressed his wish to quit to his wife .
Adam ’ s story may resonate with many in the workforce . Stress in the workplace has become the highlight in many work environments .
According to a report by the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) and the International Labour Organisation ( ILO ), workplace stress is a global issue affecting workers in all industries and countries . Globally , 745 million people are exposed to work-related stress , about 23 per cent of the global workforce ( WHO / ILO , 2019 ).
CONTRIBUTING FACTORS
A similar trend can also be found locally . A Malaysian Mental Health Association survey found that 63 per cent of Malaysian employees experienced stress at work ( Malay Mail , 2019 ).
In a survey by JobStreet , 58 per cent of Malaysian workers reported feeling burnt out at work ( The Star , 2019 ). The Malaysian Employers Federation reported that absenteeism due to stress and mental health issues cost Malaysian businesses an estimated RM3 billion annually ( The Edge Markets , 2021 ).
Stress in the workplace is defined as the physical , mental , and emotional pressure caused by a person ’ s job or work environment . Various factors , including work overload , deadlines , lack of support from colleagues , and poor working conditions can cause workplace stress . If left unaddressed , workplace stress can have serious consequences for the employee and the organisation .
RISK FACTORS Several things , such as work expectations , unfavourable working circumstances , a lack of control , strained relationships with co-workers or superiors , and inadequate pay , can contribute to workplace stress . Due to their personalities or unique life situations , such as family or financial difficulties , some may be more susceptible to stress .
Job expectations significantly influence workplace stress . Employees may experience stress and burnout due to a heavy workload , long hours , and strict deadlines . The same goes for unfavourable working environments , such as excessive noise , inadequate lighting and uncomfortable temperatures .
Another element that might lead to work stress is a lack of control . Workers who believe they have little to no influence over their jobs or working conditions may be more stressed than those who believe they have more control .
Poor relationships with colleagues or supervisors can also contribute to workplace stress . A lack of support or guidance from supervisors , conflicts with colleagues , or feeling isolated can all lead to stress and anxiety .
SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES Stress at work can have serious repercussions for both the employee and the company . Workplace stress can cause a variety of physical and mental health issues for the employee , such as headaches , back pain , depression and anxiety . Burnout , a state of emotional , physical and mental tiredness that can cause decreased productivity , absenteeism , and attrition is another effect of workplace stress .
Workplace stress may have a variety of detrimental effects on the firm . Excessive levels of work-related stress can result in lower productivity , more absenteeism and more expensive medical care . Also , it may result in a toxic workplace culture marked by low morale and high staff turnover rates .
Companies are obligated to control workplace stress and foster a positive company culture . Employers can take a number of actions to support their staff members and lessen workplace stress . Initially , businesses can gauge the stress level at work in their company . Employee surveys , focus groups , and other forms of input can be used for this . Employers can utilise this information to determine the root causes of workplace stress and provide solutions .
POSITIVE WORKPLACE CULTURE
Companies can further encourage a good work-life balance by supporting
Dr Rozanizam Zakaria is an Assistant Professor in Psychiatry , Kulliyyah of Medicine , International Islamic University Malaysia ( UIAM ) and a Fellow in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry , Ministry of Health . flexible work schedules , encouraging employees to take breaks , and restricting overtime . Giving employees struggling with stress or mental health issues support and services , such as access to counselling or employee assistance programmes , can be beneficial .
Creating a positive workplace culture , where employees feel valued and supported , can also help to reduce workplace stress . This can include recognising employee achievements , encouraging teamwork , and promoting open communication between employees and management .
Employers can also address workplace stress by providing training and development opportunities for their employees . This can help employees to develop the skills and knowledge they need to do their job effectively , reducing stress and increasing job satisfaction .
On a macro level , governments can play an important role in improving mental health in the workplace by establishing laws , providing resources and support , raising awareness and reducing stigma , collaborating with employers , and monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of mental health programs . This can be done via important efforts such as establishing and enforcing laws that require employers to provide a safe and healthy work environment that promotes mental health . These laws can also require employers to provide resources for employees to address their mental health needs .
RAISING AWARENESS AND REDUCING STIGMA
Government can also provide resources and support for mental health programmes , including employee assistance programmes ( EAPs ), mental health clinics , and other support services that employees can access . These resources can also include funding for mental health research to help employers better understand how to promote mental health in the workplace .
Another important aspect is to raise awareness and reduce stigma . This can be done via public education campaigns and training programmes that teach employees about the signs and symptoms of mental illness and strategies for coping with stress and anxiety .
In summary , stress at work is a major problem that can have detrimental effects on both people and companies . Although some stress is unavoidable in every profession , employers must control workplace stress and foster a positive working culture . This can involve encouraging a healthy work-life balance , offering assistance and tools to stressed staff members , and cultivating a supportive workplace environment . Employers may create a healthier , happier , and more productive staff by implementing measures to manage workplace stress . – The Health