Documentos de Académico
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Lennie Jackson
Springfield College
HUSB 305-F2
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
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
STRESS IN THE WORKPLACE 4
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
Research Questions
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
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
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.
STRESS IN THE WORKPLACE 6
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.
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
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
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
Burke, PhD, R. J., & Nelson, PhD, D. L. (2002). Gender, Work Stress, and Health. Washington,
Cartwright, S., & Cooper, C. (2008). Managing Health at Work: Practical Lessons from
Health, A. I. (2001). The Benefits of Interventions for Work-Related Stress. American Journal of
Murphy, L. (2004). Stress Management at Work: Secondary Prevention of Stress. The Handbook
of Work and Health Psychology. Abingdon, Oxfordshire UK: Taylor & Francis.
https://www.stress.org/workplace-stress/