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Occupational stress is a term used to define ongoing stress that is related to the workplace. The stress may have to do with the responsibilities associated with the work itself or be caused by conditions that are based on the corporate culture or personality conflicts. As with other forms of tension, occupational stress can eventually affect physical and emotional wellbeing if not managed effectively. Occupational stress is a significant hazard for many workers. Increased workloads, downsizing, overtime, hostile work environments and shift work are just a few of the many causes of stressful working conditions. The human body has a natural chemical response to a threat or demand, commonly known as the “flight or fight” reaction, including adrenaline release. Once the threat or need is over, the body can return to its natural state.
A stressor is an event or set of conditions that causes a stress response. Stress is the body’s physiological response to the stressor, and strain is the body’s longer-term reaction to chronic stress. Occupational stress can affect human health when the workplace stressors exceed the employee’s ability to have some control over their situation or to cope in other ways.
Stress is the body's reaction to any change that requires an adjustment or response. The body reacts to these changes with physical, mental, and emotional responses. Stress can trigger the body’s response to perceived threat or danger, the Fight-or-Flight response. Certain hormones like adrenalin and cortisol are released during this reaction, speeding the heart rate, slowing digestion, shunting blood flow to major muscle groups, and changing various other autonomic nervous functions, giving the body a burst of energy and strength. Originally named for its ability to enable us to fight or run away when faced with danger physically. It’s now activated in situations where neither response is appropriate, like in traffic or during a stressful day at work. When the perceived threat is gone, systems are designed to return to normal function via the relaxation response, and this often does not happen enough, causing damage to the body in our time of chronic stress. When faced with chronic stress and an over-activated autonomic nervous system, people begin to see physical symptoms. The first symptoms are relatively mild, like chronic headaches and increased susceptibility to colds. With more exposure to chronic stress, however, more serious health problems may develop (Scott, 2020).
Studies have shown that occupational stress has a significant effect on workers' health and job performance (Asamoah-Appiah & Aggrey-Fynn, 2017; International Labour organization, 2016; World Health Organization, 2016). Buchan (2001), Mojoyinola (2001), and Zajons (2005) opined that he who feels observed and evaluated tends to perform better on simple or previously acquired tasks. The authors contend further that stress in the relationship with an individual could result particularly from anxiety. This has led some researchers to view stress with the super ordinate as the most promising variable that affects the workplace with implications on workers' efficiency and productivity (Fielder et al., 2000; Borden, 2002).