Psychosocial Factors: Creating a Well-Balanced Work Environment

A study published by the Surgeon General of the United States in 1966 warned US companies and industries of the dangers in creating workplaces filled with stress and unpleasantness. The study reported that 13% of workers from different industries were showing signs of stress that was affecting their health and well-being. By 1993, over 40% percent of workers reported they were under too much stress (Galinsky, Bond and Friedman 1993).

Today, stress at the workplace has become an even bigger problem. Taking a closer look at the roll of employees, training procedures, productivity expectations, and the number of tasks employees are supposed to accomplish each day can help you pinpoint areas of improvement.

MORE THAN JUST UNHAPPY CO-WORKERS

The unhappiness of co-workers is the end result of being involved in stressful situations in the workplace. While a certain amount of stress is expected, levels that cause health issues such as hypertension, cardio vascular disease, weakened eye sight, poor circulation, and other problems are unacceptable.

Workplace stress can occur for many reasons including:

·         Unrealistic expectations of workers

·         Poor training programs

·         Downsizing

·         Poorly defined job roles

·         Poor communication between departments

·         Unidentified job goals

It is important to realize that stress can build over time until all people in the workplace are affected and influenced by it.

Common signs of increased stress at the workplace include:

·         Sick time used more often by employees

·         Projects not completed within a certain time frame

·         Employees finding other jobs

·         Body language of employees

·         Number of employee complaints has risen

·         Lack of participation in company events

Taking notice of these signs is the first step in identifying the problems. Measuring each of these factors by calculating days lost due to illness, interviewing managers, and conducting exit interviews will help you target specific issues that need to be addressed.

EFFECTS OF WORKPLACE STRESS

The effects of workplace stress can be varied ranging from boredom to serious health issues. Workplace stress can make people hostile toward each other, perform poorly on the job, become emotionally distant, physically ill or injured, and in many cases, cause them to lose their loyalty and confidence in the company.

Because stress is usually compounded by time, number of employees, and the nature of the work being done, it is best to know where the workplace stress is coming from. Stress can also come from employees’ personal lives, financial issues, or being turned down for a promotion.

Measuring the effects of workplace stress along with the symptoms will give you a better idea of where problems within the workplace structure exist.

COMMON SOURCES OF WORKPLACE STRESS

After measuring possible reasons for increased stress and their effects in your workplace, the next step is to find out where the stress is coming from. A stressor is an environmental factor that causes stress. Most workplaces have a few stressors, but when these stressors become out of control or multiply, then you need to look at eliminating as many as possible. Stressors include:

·         Training programs

·         Work schedules (overnight shifts, overtime, spilt-shifts, longer shifts of 10+ hours, ect.)

·         Time constraints

·         Employee expectations vs. employee reward

·         Management involvement

·         Competitive workplace and threat of downsizing

Training Programs

If your company has been using the same training program for 675years, it may be time to look at it closely to see where improvements or changes can be made. Many training programs do not include latest technology or procedures used on the job.

Work Schedules

The number of hours employees work during the day, the time of the day they work, and the amount of time they have off can affect job performance, overall health, and stress. Cutting back on long workdays, or overtime may be needed in order for employees to be more productive.

Time Constraints

Employees that do not have enough time during the day to get all tasks completed will be under a huge amount of stress. Looking at what is expected and giving employees enough time to complete their tasks will reduce stress and lower the numbers of sick day’s employees take.

Employee Expectations vs. Employee Rewards

If employees do not feel appreciated for the work they do, they will stop caring about their job, which will cause workplace stress. Research the number of promotions given, the number of bonuses, and other rewards employees are given for their hard work and dedication.

Management Involvement

While some companies promote too much management, others do not supply enough. Having a better understanding of what employees need, the current system in place, and ways to alter management styles can help you make suggestions that will reduce stress and make employees feel more valued.

Competitive Workplace and Threat of Downsizing

Since many companies have downsized in the past, many employees are worried about their job security. This can cause intense competition and stress at the workplace. Reducing this type of stress can be difficult because your company may need to downsize at some point.

In your company, you may have to tackle many of these stressors in order to help employees become more healthy, energetic, and happy in their job. It is important to be as proactive as possible in order to make changes.

BENEFITS OF ADDRESSING WORKPLACE STRESS

The benefits of addressing workplace stress are numerous. Not only will you improve employee/employer relations, you will also help the company look more appealing to those you want to hire. Other benefits include:

·         Fewer work days missed due to injury or illness

·         Higher productivity

·         Higher retention of top performers

·         Fewer new hires to train

·         Less expensive than paying for additional medical coverage

·         Less risk of downsizing

·         Attract more innovative and diverse employees to your company

In many cases, it is easier to reorganize work shifts, job tasks, training programs, and other stressors than to keep ignoring them.

Some companies introduce mental health programs, gyms, and on site medical care for employee use. While these programs may help reduce the symptoms of stress, they do not address the stressors at the workplace.

TACKLING FACTORS THAT CREATE WORKPLACE STRESS

Identifying the risks is your first step. Conduct employee surveys, interview managers, and calculate physical risks involved in performing certain job tasks (anything from ergonomic office equipment to safely equipment used when lifting, packing, and moving heavy objects).

After have identified areas the need improvement, you should:

·         Determine if steps are currently being taken to fix issues

·         Research past solutions and their results

·         Determine what else needs to be done

·         Measure your results

·         Review changes as they occur and at different times during restructuring to see the results and if they are appropriate (conduct additional surveys)

·         Prepare an assessment report and monitor new processes from time to time to make sure they are working

USING CURRENT PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS TO PREDICT NEW ONES

You can never predict what the outcome of change will be. New problems may arise after changes have been made which you will have to address. Preparing in advance by thoroughly researching the causes of stress and increased health issues at your company will make it easier for you to alter changes once they have been made.

All companies should assess their workplace environment at least twice a year in order to see where improvements can be made. Staying in contact with employees and managers can help you track changes and find areas that are in need of change in order to create a positive workplace environment.