Stress, Job

Job stress is a harmful physical or emotional response employees experience when they have expectations that they cannot fulfill because of their capabilities, resources, or needs. Stemming from stressors in the workplace, such as time pressure and role overload, job stress may result in harmful consequences for both individuals and organizations. Outcomes of job stress may be physiological, psychological, or influence an individual's behavior at work. For example, an individual's health may be affected, burnout may occur, and productivity levels may also suffer as a result of job stress.

Early signs of job stress include headache and stomachache, difficulty sleeping and concentrating, short temper, and low morale. Research also suggests links between job stress and cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders, and psychological disorders. Stress in the workplace is linked with increased absenteeism, tardiness, and turnover intentions. A further understanding of the causes of workplace stress, as well as preventative measures, would benefit both individuals and organizations. Although many believe that both individuals and organizations should share the responsibility for preventing and alleviating job stress, many organizations believe that the responsibility for stress management rests solely with employees. Organizational change efforts targeted toward stress reduction can impact the bottom line.