STRESS IN THE WORKPLACE

Many working days are lost in New Zealand due to stress related conditions. Stress is not only caused by high-pressure jobs, anyone succumb, from the manager to the office cleaner. Most people spend the majority of their time at work, therefore it is vitally important that the situation at work is balanced, supportive and a productive environment. Stress can occur if you are working in an environment or a job that is not really right for you, or you feel that your abilities are being stretched or relationships are strained in the office.

Examples of occupational stress:

• Change in work practice requiring new skills
• Numerous deadlines
• Lack of feedback on performance
• Responsibility without adequate training or support
• Unclear goals
• Inadequate rewards – low salary, poor prospects
• Threat of redundancy
  

These stressful situations can lead to reduced productivity, poor interpersonal relationships, high staff turnover and poor concentration and judgement. Therefore the successful running of businesses is greatly improved by managing stress in the workplace.

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