WORK RELATED STRESS

Work–related stress describes the physical, mental and emotional reactions of workers who perceive that their work demands exceed their abilities and/ or their resources (such as time, help/support) to do the work.

Stress is caused by the body’s ‘fight or flight’ instinct. This is good in emergencies, such as getting out of the way of a speeding car, but when people feel unable to cope with the pressures placed upon them, stress is a negative influence that causes physical and mental ill health. This includes anxiety, fear, depression, headaches, upset stomach, insomnia, fatigue, ulcers, high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.