The Many Kinds Of Stressors In The Workplace

It is a regrettable fact that stressors in the workplace are quite frequent. In fact, they are far more common than you probably think. This is an important fact as your performance and well-being can be significantly affected by them.

Although the causes are not always clear, in most cases these stressors can be easily defined and even addressed.

First, it is important to distinguish between specific and persistent work stress. In other words, it’s one thing to suffer extreme stress due to a particular project or a temporary excessive workload. However, it is something else for stress to accumulate and stretch over time. In fact, this can be dangerous and can even lead to serious illness.

In episodes of work stress, the employee may feel anxious at the thought that the demands of the environment far exceed their abilities and resources. In fact, something that theoretically should be easy to solve is not always the case. Especially if the requirements of the employer and the employee do not really match.

Therefore, the causes of work stress can be several and different. For example, an excessive workload is an extremely common cause. Also insignificant (or non-existent) reward, bosses or colleagues’ toxicity, a sense of stagnation, lack of motivation, professional development or personal control over tasks, etc.

Stressors in the workplace

The different types of stressors in the workplace tend to be divided into three main groups:

• Related to the organization itself.
• Related to the workplace.
• Generated by the individual.

Let’s take a closer look at them.

Stressors in the workplace related to the organization

These types of stressors occur in a “bad” form of organization. In other words, it is a company that unfairly distributes work or promotes an unproductive or unmotivating work environment, etc. In these kinds of scenarios, the following problems may arise.

• Role conflict. The employee does not know exactly what is expected of them, receives conflicting orders and is not aware of his responsibilities.
• Overload. With this poor division of labor, the employee is forced to take on responsibilities that do not concern them or for which they are not prepared.
• Insufficient communication. There are communication problems between the parties, a conflict between departments and unclear or conflicting injunctions, etc.
• Lack of development. The management of a company does not help with the development of the worker’s professional and educational career. As a result, the employee feels dissatisfaction.

• Structure. Communication from the hierarchy does not reach all employees successfully.
• Climate. Too much control or tension in the work environment can even result in extreme situations such as bullying or burnout.
• Services. Insufficient service is offered to the employee. For example, no canteen, minimal parking, etc.

Occupational stressors related to the workplace

The workplace itself can also be a stress factor for several reasons. Let us see the conditions under which this undesirable situation may arise:

• Uncertainty. Insecure work is a source of stress.
• Mental burden. Work that requires long-term mental effort can be risky.
• Control. The employee does not control the tasks to be performed. Therefore, they can not plan their schedule and everything depends on third parties.
• Complexity. The task to be performed is complicated or monotonous.

• Identity. The employee does not know the effect of his role in the organizational context. In fact, they believe that what they are doing is of no real use.
• Relationships. Conditions in the work environment, both with colleagues and with other departments, are not satisfactory.
• Physical conditions. The workplace has insufficient lighting, is too noisy or is too hot, etc.
• Materials. The employee does not have the necessary material to perform his task.
• Risks. The employee may need to take physical risks. For example, those related to long hours of monotonous work, poor posture, excessive weight load or having to deal with toxic materials, etc.
• Change of guard. Highly changing working hours have a negative psychological and physical impact on the employee.
• Pay. Insufficient pay has a negative impact on the employee.

• Number of working hours. Both the long working day and lack of breaks and vacations are extremely detrimental to the employee.

Stressors in the workplace related to the person

Finally, there are stressors in the workplace that are directly related to the individual himself. They usually arise due to imbalances in requirements in relation to the employee’s own abilities and their personality :

• Emotional control. The employee loses the ability to remain calm in certain situations and cannot maintain balance.
• Empathy. They are unable to empathize with colleagues, bosses, subordinates, etc.
• Self-motivation. A lack of it occurs in employees who are unable to make the tasks they perform make sense.

• Lack of determination. This is due to the lack of organization and systematization of the employee’s tasks.
• Stability. The employee’s emotional state affects their performance.
• Habits. Lack of healthy habits is harmful. For example, a good diet is necessary, as well as proper behavior and adequate rest.

These are the most common stressors that experts have discovered. Can you recognize any of them in yourself?