Health and the Workplace (cont.)
Job stress and health
Stress sets off an alarm in the brain, which responds by preparing the
body for defensive action. The nervous system is aroused and hormones are
released to sharpen the senses, quicken the pulse, deepen respiration, and
tense the muscles. This response (sometimes called the fight or flight
response) is important because it helps us defend against threatening
situations. The response is preprogrammed biologically. Everyone responds in
much the same way, regardless of whether the stressful situation is at work
or home.
Short-lived or infrequent episodes of stress pose little risk. But when
stressful situations go unresolved, the body is kept in a constant state of
activation, which increases the rate of wear and tear to biological systems.
Ultimately, fatigue or damage results, and the ability of the body to repair
and defend itself can become seriously compromised. As a result, the risk of
injury or disease escalates.
In the past 20 years, many studies have looked at the relationship
between job stress and a variety of ailments. Mood and
sleep disturbances,
upset stomach and headache, and disturbed relationships with family and
friends are examples of stress-related problems that are quick to develop
and are commonly seen in these studies. These early signs of job stress are
usually easy to recognize. But the effects of job stress on chronic diseases
are more difficult to see because chronic diseases take a long time to
develop and can be influenced by many factors other than stress.
Nonetheless, evidence is rapidly accumulating to suggest that stress plays
an important role in several types of chronic health problems-especially
cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders, and psychological
disorders.
Early warning signs of job stress
- Headache
- Sleep disturbances
- Difficulty in concentrating
- Short temper
- Upset stomach
- Job dissatisfaction
- Low morale
What the research tells us
Cardiovascular Disease
Many studies suggest that psychologically demanding jobs that allow
employees little control over the work process increase the risk of
cardiovascular disease.
Musculoskeletal Disorders
On the basis of research by NIOSH and many other organizations, it is
widely believed that job stress increases the risk for development of back
and upper- extremity musculoskeletal disorders.
Psychological Disorders
Several studies suggest that differences in rates of mental health
problems (such as depression and burnout) for various occupations are due
partly to differences in job stress levels. (Economic and lifestyle
differences between occupations may also contribute to some of these
problems.)
Workplace Injury
Although more study is needed, there is a growing concern that stressful
working conditions interfere with safe work practices and set the stage for
injuries at work.
Suicide, Cancer, Ulcers, and Impaired Immune Function
Some studies suggest a relationship between stressful working conditions
and these health problems. However, more research is needed before firm
conclusions can be drawn.
Next: Job stress, health, and productivity »
- Vaccination Schedule for Adults and Adolescents - Read the vaccination schedule for adults and teens, and learn about recommended immunizations for MMR, HPV, Td/Tdap, varicella, tetanus, shingles, hepatitis and typhoid.
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