What, Me Worry?

Many of you will remember these words, which are attributed to a fictional character featured in Mad Magazine.

Although I haven't seen a Mad Magazine in many years, I know there is no shortage of things to worry about. Unemployment is up. Job security is down. Downsizing and reorganizations are everywhere. No company seems to be exempt. All of this, coupled with the stress of dealing with "just-in-time delivery" and the adoption of "lean manufacturing" practices, may seem overwhelming at times.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is the federal agency responsible for research and recommendations designed to prevent work-related illness and injury. NIOSH is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIOSH has disseminated statistics that will help us understand the severity of the stress problem, which has become one of the most common and costly problems in the American workplace. For example:

One-fourth of employees view their jobs as the number one stressor in their lives.
Three-fourths of employees believe workers have more job stress than a generation ago.
Problems at work are more strongly associated with health complaints than are any other life stressor — more than financial or family problems.

What is job stress?

Job stress is defined as the harmful physical and emotional responses that occur when the requirements of the job do not match the capabilities, resources or needs of the worker. Job stress can lead to poor health and even injury.

Job stress is often confused with job challenges, but they are not the same. Challenge energizes us psychologically and physically and motivates us to learn new skills and master our jobs. Thus, challenge is an important ingredient for healthy and productive work. Challenges can turn into stress when the job demands cannot be met, relaxation turns to exhaustion and a sense of satisfaction turns into feelings of stress. In short, the stage is set for illness, injury and job failure.

What causes job stress?

Certain working conditions are stressful:

The Design of Tasks. Jobs that involve carrying a heavy workload; leave little time for rest breaks; require long hours and shift work; or require hectic and routine tasks that have little inherent meaning, don't utilize workers' skills and provide little sense of control are stressful.

Management Style. A style that provides little opportunity for workers to participate in decision-making or that is typified by poor communication or a lack of family-friendly policies can create job stress.

Interpersonal Relationships. Stress can result from a poor social environment and lack of support from coworkers and supervisors.

Work Roles. Workers can feel stress in situations that involve conflicting or uncertain job expectations, too much responsibility or too many "hats to wear."

Career Concerns. Employees who sense job insecurity and few opportunities for growth or who are subjected to rapid changes for which workers are unprepared can feel stress.

Environmental Conditions. Workers can also feel stress from unpleasant or dangerous physical conditions such as crowding, noise, air pollution or ergonomic problems.

Studies show that stressful working conditions are actually associated with increased absenteeism, tardiness and job switching, all of which have negative effects on the bottom line. Recent studies of so-called healthy organizations suggest that policies benefiting worker health also benefit the bottom line.

Healthy and productive organizations exhibit:

Recognition of employees
Opportunities for career development
An organizational culture that values the individual worker
Management actions that are consistent with organizational values

If your workplace seems stressful, try these suggestions:

Ensure that workload is in line with workers' capabilities and resources.
Design jobs to provide meaning, stimulation and opportunities for workers to use their skills.
Clearly define workers' roles and responsibilities.
Give workers opportunities to participate in decisions and actions affecting their jobs.
Improve communications; reduce uncertainty about career development and future employment prospects.
Provide opportunities for social interaction.
Establish work schedules that are compatible with demands and responsibilities outside the job.

Low morale, health and job complaints and employee turnover can be the first signs of job stress. Be vigilant, and pay attention to your work environment and workforce. Your rewards, in terms of improved productivity, could be great.

NIOSH information and publications can be found at www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/stress.

- Rick Sparks, Missouri Small Business and Technology Development Centers. For Creating Quality Newsletter, January 2004.