Effects Of Stress Overload In The Workplace

Life has become more and more demanding in the past few years. The COVID pandemic created a lot of restrictions. Layoffs are becoming increasingly common, creating more work for remaining employees. On top of that, employers are demanding more meetings and in-office time.

This is causing more stress for employees. Their workload is increasing. They may be spending hours commuting to and from work. And with the economy in a downturn, there may be concerns about possible layoffs.

Work overload and a lack of control are making burnout more and more common. This is causing some workplaces to be described as “toxic” by employees, to the point where employees may feel they just can’t handle it anymore.

Stress overload is a real problem. Mental stress affects the body physically, causing heart disease and musculoskeletal disorders. Workers may have sleep problems and feel constantly fatigued. They may even feel sick, moody, and more aggressive.

Workplace accidents are another issue to keep in mind. These accidents tend to happen when an employee is mentally overwhelmed. When they have too many tasks going on, they are not really focused on the tasks at hand. They are thinking about other things, which may lead to careless mistakes. This can lead to serious workplace accidents and injuries.

Causes of Work-Related Stress

While a mental overload of “too much to do, too little time” is a major cause of workplace stress, it can also be caused by:

Low morale. Low morale in the workplace can result in stress for the employees. Low morale may be caused by poor communication, poor attitude by managers and co-workers, and micromanagement. When employees feel like they can’t be trusted or their opinions are not respected, then this can lead to low morale.
Work environment. The work environment can also cause stress overload. Lack of privacy, excess work, tight deadlines, and constant changes in routine can make employees feel stressed out. Illegal activities such as discrimination and harassment can also increase stress.
Career concerns. A lack of certainty about the future can make employees feel anxious and unsure of the future. If they feel like they are in a rut or hear rumors about potential layoffs, stress levels may increase.

Dealing With Stress Concerns

Employees can take positive steps to deal with workplace stress by adding the following to their routines:

Accept that you cannot control everything.
Try relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.
Make time for hobbies and loved ones.
Have a positive attitude.
Exercise regularly.
Eat nutritious meals.
Get plenty of sleep.
Avoid alcohol and drugs.
Don’t take on too much at work; use the word “no.”

Contact Us Today

Mental overload can take its toll on workers, making workplace accidents more likely to occur. Companies and employees need to be aware of increased workloads and their effect on the workforce.

Workplace accidents can have serious consequences, leading to permanent injuries, disfigurement, and loss of earning capacity. Get the compensation you need with help from the Columbia workplace accidents lawyers at Simmons Law Firm. Schedule a free consultation by filling out the online form or calling (803) 779-4600.

Source:

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