WORKPLACE STRESS AT CERTAIN LEVELS AND OF CERTAIN KINDS POSES A CLEAR RISK TO MENTAL HEALTH AND PHYSICAL SAFETY. ACCORDING TO THE RESEARCH DONE BY DR. MARTIN SHAIN, WHOSE BOOK BEST ADVICE ON STRESS RISK MANAGEMENT IN THE WORKPLACE, WAS PUBLISHED BY HEALTH CANADA, AN UNHEALTHY WORKPLACE CAN
PRODUCE “TOXIC” LEVELS OF STRESS THAT CAN CAUSE PROBLEMS FOR EMPLOYEES BOTH AT WORK AND AT HOME.

Stress risk (the risk to health from stress) is actually produced through human interactions in the workplace; if those interactions are managed, stress can be managed too. Excessive stress can result when the workplace is designed in ways that ignore or devalue basic human needs, especially those related to mental or emotional health.

Dr. Shain described the key factors behind the development of strain in the workplace:

• High job demand, where there is too much to do over a period with constant deadlines;
• Low job control, where the person has too little influence over the organization of his or her work;
• High effort, or energy needed to achieve goals; and,
•Low reward, or compensation for or acknowledgement of effort.

When there is high job pressure combined with low job control, and high effort combined with low reward, particularly when there is also home stress and a lack of social support, stress risk can result.

So how bad is excessive stress for us? According to physiological research, stress that is generated internally or externally can lead to changes in brain chemistry, which then affects the body’s ability to defend itself against infections and other diseases. Excessive stress can also result in people feeling over-tired, having to use medications, and feeling distracted so they are more prone to accidents or errors in judgement.

In an unhealthy workplace, people can be anxious or worried and may be argumentative or unnecessarily competitive. They may feel they are judged only on their behaviour and that their ideas are not valued.

Balance of these elements is essential to maintain good health.

Is a healthy workplace good for the bottom line? Absolutely: research has shown that unhealthy workplaces can contribute to the incidence of heart disease, emotional or mental health problems and increased likelihood of accidents on the job.