WORKPLACE STRESS Meaning and
Definition
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Workplace stress refers to the psychological, physiological, and emotional strain experienced by individuals in relation to their work environment. It encompasses the various pressures, demands, and disturbances that arise in one's job, leading to feelings of tension, anxiety, and dissatisfaction. This type of stress typically occurs when the demands of the job exceed an individual's ability to cope and adapt.
Workplace stress may arise due to a wide range of factors, including a heavy workload, tight deadlines, lack of control over work tasks, interpersonal conflicts, toxic work culture, job insecurity, and insufficient support or resources. It can manifest in physical symptoms (e.g., headaches, stomach problems, sleep disturbances), as well as mental health issues (e.g., depression, anxiety disorders, burnout).
The consequences of workplace stress can be detrimental to both employees and organizations. It can negatively impact an individual's productivity, creativity, and job satisfaction, as well as their physical and mental well-being. Moreover, it can affect team dynamics, increase absenteeism and turnover rates, and hinder organizational performance and success.
To mitigate workplace stress, organizations can implement strategies such as promoting work-life balance, providing employee assistance programs, establishing supportive and inclusive work environments, offering stress management training, and encouraging open communication. Likewise, individuals can engage in stress-reducing activities, use effective coping mechanisms, seek social support, and practice self-care to minimize the impact of workplace stress on their overall health and job satisfaction.
Etymology of WORKPLACE STRESS
The etymology of the term "workplace stress" can be broken down as follows:
1. Workplace: The word "workplace" originated from the combination of two words: "work" and "place". "Work" comes from the Old English word "weorc", which refers to physical or mental effort, while "place" originates from the Old English word "plæse", meaning an area or location.
2. Stress: The term "stress" has its roots in the Latin word "strictus", which means "drawn tight" or "strained". In Middle English, the word "stress" was used to describe hardship, adversity, or situations that put pressure on a person.
Therefore, "workplace stress" refers to the strain, pressure, or hardship that individuals experience in their work environments.
