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Stress is a pattern of emotional (e.g. anxiety, depression), cognitive (e.g. poor concentration), behavioural (e.g. increased alcohol and drugs use) and physical (e.g. increased blood pressure, headaches) reactions to adverse conditions. It is characterized by high levels of arousal, distress and feelings of not being able to cope. Stress is not usually classified as a mental disorder, even though it can precipitate both physical and emotional problems

Pressure at Work

The pressure at work can be positive for employees but it depends on the nature, intensity and length of the pressure. The degree of control of the situation that an individual feels he or she has the individual’s response, and the existence or absence of protective factors. For example, a worker who is exposed to continued pressure over a long period. Who feels unable to control the situation and fear to lose the job. Who has minimal support at work and at home is at risk of the negative consequences of stress.

Harassment at work

Exposure to critical incidents such as assaults, sexual or psychological harassment. Accidents are the main source of stress for employees. There is also a rising awareness of the impact of bullying or psychological harassment in the workplace. Psychological harassment includes daily humiliations, subtle criticisms. Inappropriate remarks concerning a person’s physical or psychological attributes. Sexual advances, and inappropriate and unrealistic demands that undermine a person’s dignity.

All of these can affect physical and mental health. One consequence of long-term exposure to stress may be burnout. The person feels isolated, intensely fatigued and not achieving anything. Accompanied by a sense of loss of control and a sense of failure. It is also often accompanied by physical symptoms such as insomnia, headaches, muscle and joint pains, gastrointestinal symptoms, and lapses in memory.

Impact of mental health problems on employment and work efficiency needs to be properly understood and managed. Protection and promotion of good mental health in the workplace has long term benefits. It will help employees, the employer, as well as the organization.

All images are courtesy Pixabay

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People spend a large part of their adult life at work, which satisfies their personal, economic and social needs. Worldwide data indicate that mental health problems have a direct impact on workplaces through increased absenteeism, accidents, reduced productivity, and increased costs. They also result in a number of employees eventually dropping out of work.

In the last two decades, we have all witnessed rapid changes in working conditions in the industrialized countries, related to globalization and modern communication technologies. This has led to more competition which has resulted in increasing demands for speed, efficiency, productivity, and meeting tighter deadlines.

Globalization:

Globalization has influenced individuals, families and society in general.  On the one hand, globalization has brought in changes in the workplace. That has resulted in an increased income of employees, improved working conditions, facilitate access to education and training. Thus having a positive effect on the mental health of employees. On the other hand, globalization may also have a negative impact on employment and working conditions. Globalization has also resulted in the emergence of new industries, such as the assembly industry in which 90% of employees are women or children, and workplaces are often influenced by unstable jobs, low wages, long working hours, sexual harassment, temporary contracts and subcontracting. Although these new industries make a valuable contribution to the national economy. Their undesirable working conditions are likely to have a negative impact on the mental health of employees and their families.

Urbanization and Migration:

The necessity to find work has also resulted in many workers migrating to other countries having stronger employment opportunities or better working conditions. Migration also occurs from rural areas to the urban areas in the same country. People move out of their native place and migrate to the cities in search of greener pastures.

Thus, while migration can have a positive effect on the mental well-being of an employee. It can also be the source of stress through an increased risk of exposure to poverty and exploitation, difficulties in integrating into a new culture, and the loss of social support networks including the family.

 Information Technology Today:

Information and communication technology can permit work to be performed in different physical locations creating different challenges for employees. While some may enjoy the freedom associated with working at home. For others it may suggest isolation and loss of social support associated with working alone, causing stress and increased risk of developing a mental health problem.

All images are courtesy Pixabay

To learn more about Mentriq click here