Also known as job stress or work-related stress, occupational stress refers to the physical and emotional responses that occur when the requirements of a job do not match the capabilities, resources, or needs of an employee. The causes of occupational stress include:
- Job demands — working long hours and shifts, high workloads, infrequent breaks, unnecessary routine tasks, ignoring workers’ skills, or feeling that the demands of their jobs exceed their capacity to cope
- Financial concerns — workers feeling they are not fairly compensated or wages do not cover living expenses
- Frequent restructuring within an organization
- Risk of layoffs, job insecurity, or lack of advancement opportunities
- Poor work environment—poor lighting, lack of technology, uncomfortable office spaces, noise, lack of privacy, and toxic workplace culture
- Poor work-life balance—insufficient time for family, friends, hobbies, personal interests
- Low morale—workers often feel powerless when workers must respond to the demands and timelines of others with little control over events (too little authority, unfair labor practices, inadequate job descriptions)
- Management style—a workplace characterized by poor communication and workers not included in decision-making processes or not feeling supported by their coworkers and employers.
- Traumatic events—workers experiencing stressful situations and personal risk every day.
Stress can take a negative toll on workers’ health, leading to less productivity and job satisfaction. Over the short term, work stress causes strain; over the long term, it can negatively impact well-being.
