Stress Management

3. Common Causes

There are many factors that can result in employees experiencing workplace stress. You may need to address several areas to remove the causes of the stress.

3.1 Demands of the job.

• It is counterproductive to give employees too much to do or not enough time to complete it in on a continuous basis.
• Poor instructions or insufficient training can cause stress.

3.2 Long hours and reluctance to take leave.

• It may sometimes be necessary for employees to come in early and leave late. But working in excess of normal hours for extended periods can result in accidents and mistakes.

3.3 Workplace relationships.

• Problems with a manager or fellow employee can be a major source of work-related stress.
• Humiliating employees, or allowing others to, leads to a loss of respect and co-operation from employees.
• Bullying or aggressive behaviour will certainly cause stress and can also lead to legal action.

3.4 Management style.

• Ineffective management can cause employees stress. For example, failure to address known problem areas or deal with problem employees.

3.5 Periods of change.

• Any change in the way a business operates can upset the working environment.
• Insufficient support or information during times of change or busy periods creates uncertainty.

3.6 Organisational structure

• Lack of clarity about roles, responsibilities and objectives causes confusion and lack of direction.

3.7 Personal problems

• Managers should not ignore employees' personal problems. For example, bereavement, divorce, illness, moving home and financial problems can all cause high levels of stress that may impact on an employee's ability to carry out his or her job.