Running head: STRESS IN THE WORKPLACE 1

Stress in the Workplace

Lennie Jackson

Springfield College

HUSB 305-F2

March 25, 2017

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Stress in the Workplace

Money, health, and well-being seem to go hand in hand. For many individuals, money

can influence the emotions, and moreover, the state of being. Some people feel that money

makes them happier because it helps to ease the financial strain in situations that would normally

cause stress. One does not need to become stressed to make money, but if the individual is not

making enough money, then that is stressful. In addition to having a mental strain, stress from

not making enough money can cause physical ailments as well. It appears that many individuals

are making money while on the job, but this is taxing on their bodies, thus many are paying with

their health. A recent study by Forbes staff, Susan Adams, 75% of American workers are

stressed out due to low pay. Earning low wages can cause stress because an individual is

struggling to make ends meet (Adams, 2012). There are many factors that lead to stress, and

work related stress is no exception. There are various ways that stress can stem from work. Low

wages are a major concern for those who are living from paycheck to paycheck to make ends

meet.

One may wonder how work can cause stress, but it can in various ways. For example,

people are stressed at work due to low pay, long commutes, deadlines, job dissatisfaction, and

poor job performance. As per the AARP bulletin, people who are stressed end up eating, drinking

and smoking more, and sleeping and exercising less tendencies that have obvious negative

consequences for our health (Agnvall, 2014). Work stress must be properly managed, and many

people do not manage their stress effectively. Individuals must learn the best ways for them to

deal with stress in the workplace to avoid absenteeism, due to mental or physical ailments.

Missing work due to the effects of stress can result in wages being even lower, in addition to

risking the loss of employment.

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The methods that are used to manage stress differs by the individual preference. Recent

research results indicate that spirituality was a key coping resource for coping with stress and

specifically with work-related stress (Bacchus, 2008). Sometimes the ways of handling stress

can be negative, such as smoking or drinking because these methods can lead to greater stress

because of the negative effects on the body. A holistic lifestyle can help to improve overall well-

being and work related stress management. Palmer and Cooper stated from their research, Work

related stress can lead to both physical illness such as heart disease, back pain and psychological

disorders (Palmer & Cooper 2013). Poor stress management, stemming from factors such as

impending deadlines, work overload and procrastination, can lead directly to burnout, one of the

top reasons for quitting a job (Murphy, L. R. 2004). When people are stressed by their job, this

will make it hard for them to cope on the job, therefore handling work related stress is

imperative.

It is surprising that people do not know what to do to handle daily stress at work. Both

managers and employees experience stress from difficult individuals on the job, long hours, and

low pay. Because this is a daily occurrence at work, people do not consider how much they are

negatively impacted. In fact, 83% of workers feel stress on the job and nearly half say they need

help in learning how to manage stress (Health, 2001). Some may feel that they dont have time

to do the things that can help them manage stress due to other priorities, such as a second job or

family. According to The American Institute of Stress, Job stress is costly. Job Stress carries a

price tag for U.S. industry estimated at over $300 billion annually (Stress, 2017). The institute

further states that, These costs are the result of accidents, absenteeism, employee turnover,

diminished productivity, direct medical, legal, and insurance costs (Stress, 2017). Cartwright

and Cooper show in their research that there are useful and practical strategies for managing
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stress in the work environment (Cartwright & Cooper, 2008). Their research shows how

managing health at work can help everyone involved. One may wonder who is affected the most

at work, and also why they are affected the most. According to Nelson and Burke, When it

comes to receiving low pay, women are reportedly 6% more stressed than men (Burke, PhD &

Nelson, PhD, 2002). There is hope for stress management in the workplace, and it begins with

effective intervention methods.

Research Questions

1. How well do you manage stress?

2. How do you prioritize work responsibilities?

3. How do you solve problems at work?

4. Do you feel you have very little control over your life at work?

Research Goals

1. To identify stressors in your life at work, and know the most effective

methods to control stress.

2. To organize stress management classes to educate related working

conditions, workload, counseling, training and deadlines.

3. To improve the stress levels in the workplace environment.

4. To improve emotional intelligence competencies, time management, and

promotion of change in the workplace.

5. Maintaining positive relationships for effective communication.

6. Stress management and stress relief strategies.

7. Maintaining motivation through appropriate rewards.

8. Stress Awareness and learning relaxation, meditation methods.

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Methodology: Participants

At the individual level: Individuals who identify themselves as being stressed at work, or

experiencing stress at work. At the group level: Massage Therapist, Employees of Tampas

billion dollar companies; Gerdau Ameristeel, Walter Industries, TECO Energy, Raymond James

Financial, Brown & Brown, Inc., Syniverse Holdings, counselors, holistic doctors at the

community level, and the community of Tampa.

Data Collection

More individuals are experiencing stress on the job because of changes in the job

structure and function. According to Murphy, Among the causes are downsizing,

reorganization, the pressures of global competition, and constantly changing new technology

(Murphy, 2004). Twenty-three percent of the workers evaluated by Relax Mobile reported that

the relationship between stress at work and deadlines was caused when anxious about finishing

goals by the expected deadline. Nine percent of the workers reported that poor job performance

also adds pressure. Ten percent of workers said that stress on the job came from relations with

other peoples personalities. Dealing with problem people can arise at the workplace when

dealing with difficult people such as a co-worker or an irate customer. Sometimes dealing with

problem individuals can cause physical stress and ailments such as headaches. Fifty-nine percent

of the interviewed workers reported that low pay was the most stressing. Stress on the job and

low pay can arise as individuals should continue going to work, yet not receiving enough money

to pay for the things they need. People are expected to work, and perform per the demand of their

employer. Some individuals become stressed because they cannot work with ease because they

are worried about how they will make ends meet, when their time is being taken by their job.
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Stressed Individuals in the Workplace

Stressed by Wages Stressed by Deadlines

Stressed by Other Individuals Stressed by Performance

Relax Avenue Mobile Massage Services

We achieved our goal within one year of testing and identifying stressed individuals on

the job. Our goal was achieved as we visited places of business for "moments of relaxation". In

our visits, we reduced light, played music, lit candles, and offered therapeutic messages for

individuals. We provided employees with information on the effects of stress, and gave methods

for relaxing during, and outside of work hours. We also offered stress management counseling,

and customer rewards, for example, coupons for free relaxation massages on the next visit.

Participants Who Used Relax Mobile Services for

One Year

Counseling and Massage Morning Exercise Reading Positive Material Meditation

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Results

Stressors were identified during the interviews and stress tests conducted with

individuals. The above charts identify the results of those who participated in Relax Mobile

Services. We recommended engaging in vigorous exercise every morning before work. We also

suggested to balance control and responsibility by looking for ways to put these two forces in

balance. Values are important, but realize that at times, your employer may have a different set

of values than yours. If all else fails, change bosses. If you believe you have a difficult

supervisor, perhaps you can do something about it. Consult with HR and ask to work with a

different supervisor or a transfer to a different department.

Conclusion

Those who are more stressed at work are still in the manageable range. If there are aspects

of your job that you love, then it is probably worth addressing your stress from the standpoint of

improving your coping skills. Utilizing the recommended holistic practices are beneficial. You

may also use other relaxing activities like a hot bath, a massage, or listening to good music. Look

for employers who offer worker friendly benefits like telecommuting options, flex time, and family

leave. Its often the key to finding less stressful working environments.

Research, investigation, testing, and results reveal that there are successful ways to manage

job stress. We made a difference by locating stressed workers, testing participants, provided

solutions, and measured progress. Our program works. We recommend that stressed workers create

or participate in job stress intervention programs. Meditation, spirituality, and support groups are

examples of intervention programs. Get a more in-depth review of the results of this program by

active participation and continual usage of Relax Mobile Services.

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References

Adams, S. (2012, August 15). New Study: Low Pay Stresses Workers The Most. Retrieved from

Forbes.com: https://www.forbes.com/sites/susanadams/2012/08/15/new-study-low-pay-

stresses-workers-the-most/#2695d0fa2695

Agnvall, E. (2014, November). Stress! Don't Let It Make You Sick. Retrieved from AARP:

http://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2014/stress-and-disease.html

Bacchus, D. (2008). Coping with Work-Related Stress: A Study of the Use of Coping Resources

Among Professional Black Women. . Journal of Ethnic & Cultural Diversity in Social

Work, 17(1), 60-81.

Burke, PhD, R. J., & Nelson, PhD, D. L. (2002). Gender, Work Stress, and Health. Washington,

D.C.: American Psychological Association.

Cartwright, S., & Cooper, C. (2008). Managing Health at Work: Practical Lessons from

Organizational Research. . Oxford: BPS Blackwell.

Health, A. I. (2001). The Benefits of Interventions for Work-Related Stress. American Journal of

Public Health, 270-276.

Murphy, L. (2004). Stress Management at Work: Secondary Prevention of Stress. The Handbook

of Work and Health Psychology. Abingdon, Oxfordshire UK: Taylor & Francis.

Stress, T. A. (2017, 03 19). Workplace Stress. Retrieved from stress.org:

https://www.stress.org/workplace-stress/