Understanding Workplace Stress: Causes, Symptoms, and How To Manage

Stress is a part of everyday life, especially in the workplace, where it can often feel like an unavoidable part of the job. However, while stress may be a common experience, its consequences can be severe for both employees and employers. Left unmanaged, workplace stress can lead to a host of problems, from decreased productivity and poor employee morale to long-term health issues that impact both the individual and the organisation.

Understanding the causes, symptoms, and effects of workplace stress is crucial in creating a healthier work environment. More importantly, it’s vital to recognise how early intervention can make a difference. In this blog, we’ll explore what causes workplace stress, how it manifests in employees, and the effects it can have on their health and performance.

The causes of workplace stress

Stress doesn’t usually come from a single source – it’s often a combination of different factors that create a perfect storm of pressure and anxiety. While stress can manifest for any number of reasons, here are some of the most common causes of stress in the workplace:

Heavy workload and unrealistic deadlines: One of the most obvious contributors to workplace stress is a heavy workload. Employees who constantly feel under pressure to meet tight deadlines or who are given more tasks than they can handle are more likely to feel overwhelmed and stressed. When employees don’t feel that they can get everything done, the stress begins to pile up, causing a sense of helplessness.
Lack of support or resources: Employees who feel that they lack the necessary resources, guidance, or support from their managers or colleagues can quickly become stressed. Support from peers and superiors is crucial to an employee’s sense of job security and wellbeing. When employees don’t feel that they can reach out for help or that their efforts aren’t being noticed, stress levels rise.
Job insecurity: A looming sense of job insecurity can also create significant stress. Whether it’s through uncertainty about job roles, the potential for layoffs, or the feeling that promotions or opportunities for growth are unattainable, employees who feel their position is at risk often experience heightened stress.
Poor work-life balance: The inability to find a balance between work and personal life is a growing issue in today’s workplace. Long hours, frequent overtime, and the constant need to check emails or work after hours can all contribute to chronic stress. Without time to relax and recharge, employees can burn out quickly. This lack of balance can affect not only physical health but emotional wellbeing too.
Unclear expectations or job roles: When employees don’t fully understand their responsibilities or expectations, stress can occur. Ambiguity can create confusion and lead to mistakes, which, in turn, add to anxiety and self-doubt. In environments where leadership is unclear, it’s easy for employees to feel unsupported and unsure about their place in the company.
Negative work environment: A toxic work culture or poor relationships with colleagues can create a stressful environment. Bullying, discrimination, or lack of communication can all lead to significant stress, especially when employees feel they can’t speak up or seek help.

Recognising the symptoms of stress in employees

Stress doesn’t always present itself in a clear and obvious way. It often manifests in a variety of physical, emotional, and behavioural symptoms. Recognising these symptoms is key to preventing stress from negatively impacting employees’ health and performance. Here are some of the common signs of stress:

Physical symptoms: Chronic stress often shows itself physically in the form of fatigue, headaches, back pain, and muscle tension. Employees under stress may also experience trouble sleeping, digestive issues, or changes in appetite. The body can only handle so much stress before these physical symptoms begin to interfere with day-to-day functioning.
Emotional symptoms: Emotionally, employees may begin to feel more anxious, irritable, or overwhelmed. They may experience feelings of sadness, frustration, or helplessness. In some cases, employees may struggle with feelings of low self-worth or imposter syndrome, which can significantly impact their morale.
Behavioural symptoms: Behavioural symptoms can include poor concentration, increased absenteeism, withdrawing from colleagues, or a decline in overall performance. When stress begins to affect an employee’s ability to focus or interact with others, it becomes increasingly difficult to perform at work.
Mental fatigue and burnout: Over time, the constant feeling of being “on edge” can lead to mental fatigue. Employees experiencing burnout may feel emotionally drained, disconnected from their work, or as though they can no longer perform at their best. This state of exhaustion can affect motivation, job satisfaction, and overall productivity.

How stress impacts employee health and performance

Workplace stress can have long-term effects on a person’s health and performance. When stress is chronic, it becomes more than just a temporary setback, and can affect both physical and mental health, creating a ripple effect that impacts overall performance.

Short-term health effects: In the short term, stress can cause headaches, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances. Employees may find themselves feeling drained after a long day, and their ability to focus can be compromised. Stress can also lead to feelings of anxiety or irritability, which may affect communication and relationships with others in the workplace.
Long-term health effects: If left unchecked, stress can lead to more serious health issues, including heart disease, hypertension, anxiety disorders, depression, and even burnout. Chronic stress weakens the immune system, leaving employees more susceptible to illness. The long-term effects of stress on mental health can result in depression, burnout, and even self-destructive behaviours if not properly addressed.
Impact on productivity and performance: Stress has a direct impact on an employee’s ability to perform. When employees are stressed, they often experience difficulties in concentrating, problem-solving, and decision-making. This can lead to mistakes, missed deadlines, and a decrease in overall productivity. The more stressed employees become, the more likely they are to experience presenteeism – where they are physically at work but mentally or emotionally disengaged. This ultimately impacts the company’s output and performance.
Increased absenteeism: As stress takes a toll on an employee’s health, absenteeism often increases. Whether it’s due to physical illness caused by stress or the emotional need for time off to cope with burnout, the business suffers when employees are frequently absent. This not only affects productivity but also puts additional pressure on other team members.
Lower morale and job satisfaction: High levels of stress can erode employee morale. Employees who constantly feel stressed may begin to disengage from their work or feel disconnected from the company’s goals. This can result in poor job satisfaction, high turnover rates, and a lack of motivation to perform well.

The business case for addressing stress

It’s clear that workplace stress is not something businesses can afford to ignore. Addressing stress proactively is essential for both the wellbeing of employees and the success of the company. Here are just a few of the reasons why stress management should be a priority in any business:

Improved employee health: Reducing stress helps employees stay healthier, which in turn leads to fewer sick days and reduced healthcare costs. It promotes mental wellness, reducing the risk of burnout, depression, and other stress-related conditions.
Increased productivity and performance: Employees who are less stressed are more likely to be focused, engaged, and productive. By managing stress effectively, businesses can see a marked improvement in overall performance and efficiency.
Lower absenteeism and presenteeism: When employees are better able to manage their stress, they are less likely to take time off due to health issues or burnout. Similarly, stress management reduces the occurrence of presenteeism, where employees are physically present but not contributing effectively.
Improved morale and job satisfaction: By creating a healthier, less stressful work environment, businesses can boost employee morale and job satisfaction. Employees who feel supported and valued are more likely to stay with the company and work toward shared goals.

How MCL Medics helps manage workplace stress

MCL Medics offers a range of services to help businesses manage and reduce workplace stress, starting with early intervention. Through Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and occupational health assessments, MCL Medics supports businesses in creating a healthier work environment where employees can thrive.

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): MCL Medics’ EAPs provide confidential support for employees dealing with stress. These programmes offer counseling, guidance, and resources to help employees manage personal and work-related stressors. EAPs can be an essential tool in preventing stress from escalating into more serious mental health issues.
Occupational health assessments: Occupational health assessments provide a thorough analysis of employee health and wellbeing. These assessments help businesses identify stress-related risks early on, offering actionable insights into how to support employees and reduce stress-related health issues.
Personalised support plans: MCL Medics works closely with businesses to create personalised wellbeing strategies for employees. These strategies can include tailored stress management programmes, flexible work arrangements, or ongoing health assessments to monitor and address stress over time.

Conclusion

By proactively addressing workplace stress, businesses can not only protect the health and wellbeing of their employees but also improve performance, morale, and overall success. MCL Medics’ services offer a comprehensive approach to managing stress, providing businesses with the tools and support they need to create healthier, more productive workplaces.

Remember, if you are feeling overwhelmed, reach out for support. If you’d like to find out more about the services we offer, get in touch with our team today.