Job stress and its related fallout on mental and physical health have long been a topic of debate and matter of concern for those who go through this.
The death of a young employee Anna Sebastian Perayil, 26, at Ernst & Young (EY) company, has brought job stress to the forefront but this is certainly not the first such case. There have been repeated reports of incidents of death in the office, or death at work directly associated with job stress. And in most cases, it is the youngsters who have been the victims of such toxic stress.
Anna had joined the company just four months back. Her mother attributed her daughter’s death to “overworking” and the company’s demanding work culture. She said her daughter’s manager would often demand assignments by night, leaving Anna with no time “to rest or recover.”
It is time for all to wake up to the stark reality of unmanageable job stress and note the early warning signs so that the possible damage can be checked beforehand.
Job stress red flags
Job stress, when ignored or left unaddressed, can manifest in a variety of ways and workers and employers should be aware of to prevent stress from escalating into a serious health issue. Common early symptoms to look out for can include but not limited to
- Headaches
- Sleep disturbances
- Difficulty concentrating
- Growing short temper
- Upset stomach
- Job dissatisfaction.
- Low morale.
- Low confidence
- Pessimistic and negative outlook
- Mood swings
- Absenteeism
- Lack of appetite
- Suicidal tendencies
Chronic job stress at workplace, that often spills into personal space can lead to several serious ailments like:
Cardiovascular Issues
Diverse studies have linked high-pressure jobs and subsequent job stress to increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. When employees face psychologically demanding tasks over a period of time, without any cooperation from the boss or the management and fails to manage or control their workload, it elevates their stress levels, which in turn raises the risk of heart problems, such as hypertension, strokes, and heart attacks.
Psychological Disorders
High levels of job stress for a period of time have also been associated with an increased risk of psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety and burnout. Stress can vary across different occupations, and factors such as economic conditions or lifestyle choices can also worsen mental health issues. Individuals in stressful environments may feel overwhelmed and unable to cope and thus fall into depression or psychosomatic issues.
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Musculoskeletal Disorders
Research suggests that job stress contributes to musculoskeletal disorders, particularly in the back and upper extremities. Prolonged stress causes muscle tension, which can lead to chronic pain and other physical ailments, leading to lack of sleep and other debilitating issues.
Suicide, ulcers and immunity issues
Some studies suggest that job stress may lead to suicide and is linked to conditions such as ulcers and a weakened immune system. Chronic stress weakens the body’s defence mechanisms, leaving individuals vulnerable to diseases and potentially life-threatening conditions. Diabetes is also linked to the prevalence of job stress.
Injury
Stressful working conditions may interfere with an employee’s ability to perform tasks safely, increasing the likelihood of workplace injuries. Stress can impair focus, reaction time and judgements, making accidents more likely to occur.
Way out
The way out of this is to strike a clear-cut life-work balance and back out of stressful situations that are unmanageable or visibly contributing to health issues. It is important for individuals to keep taking stock of their situation and flag any potential work hazards that could lead to major health problems. It is important to prioritise health, family and recreation over ambitious goals and lures of materialistic growth. If job stress starts interfering with personal life and happiness, it is time to boldly call it quits and explore other avenues that have more holistic ecosystem.
