Beth Gibb Associates - Stress causal factors

There are many causal factors of Stress, both in and outside the workplace. Here are just a few:

Workplace:

A lack of communication
Inadequate training
Job insecurity
Excessive hours or a repetitive mundane job
Irritating colleagues
Managers with poor people skills

Outside:

Marital problems
Financial worries
‘Needy’/Toxic friends
‘Empty Nest’ syndrome
Noisy neighbours

Individuals have different tolerance levels as to how much pressure and then stress they can manage which has a big effect on their reactions to specific situations:

Physical signs include high blood pressure, headaches, indigestion and sleeping problems.

Behavioural signs such as short tempered, impatient, hyperactive and accident prone or lethargic and possibly an increase in alcohol consumption or prescribed medication.

Emotional signs displaying moodiness, a lack of humour and confidence and a loss of enjoyment in life

Each case of work-related stress (WRS) leads to an average of 30.9 days lost per employee at an estimated cost of over £330m annually to organisations. Health & Safety Executive (HSE 2006)