Work-Related Stress

The productivity of American workers is the critical component for raising the standard of living.  A recent study has reported that productivity increased by 4.1% in 2004.This marks a three-year period in which worker efficiency climbed at the fastest pace in a half century. The rise in the American standard of living has come at a high cost.  In one generation, Americans have come to depend on both parents in the workforce.  No longer is it automatically assumed that mother will be able to stay home and provide for the care of their young children.  This is now viewed by new parents as a luxury few can actually afford.  With the new found expectation that both partners will work outside the home, work stress has become marital and family stress.

Some factors that contribute to work related stress include:

-- Job Insecurity which intensifies the competition to survive corporate reorganizations and downsizing.           

-- Demands for high levels of work performance with increased pressure to perform at peak levels with no increase in pay, unrealistic expectations from management and too much time spent away from family.

-- Innovations in technology have resulted in heightened expectations for worker productivity.  There is constant pressure to keep up with technological breakthroughs and learn new software applications.  Technology has also contributed to the expectation of worker availability 24/7.

Individual personality can also contribute to work stress.  If you tend to have an A-Type personality, this can also contribute to stress level.

            Do you find it difficult to say “no” and take on additional commitments?

            Have you been under intense and sustained pressure for some time?

            Do you have high standards that make it difficult to delegate to assistants?

            Have you tried to achieve too much for much too long?

            Have you been giving too much emotional support to others for too long?