Workplace Stress and Workload Factors

Study Notes

Increased demand in workplaces leads to high workloads, causing stress.
Organizations expect the same or more output despite changing work environments.
Inability to adapt to changing times contributes to collective stress and societal issues.
Old indicators of success may not align with current realities, increasing cynicism and feelings of helplessness.
Stress is often perceived negatively, seen as a weakness rather than a signal for necessary change, leading to diminished personal accomplishment and demoralization.

The gap between idealistic expectations and actual reality creates psychological distress.
External validation sources can exacerbate stress; individuals compare themselves against societal standards.
Internal motivation can provide personal drive, leading to enhanced well-being if recognized.
Feeling unappreciated at work and issues with self-esteem can deepen stress.
Comparing oneself with peers leads to jealousy and dissatisfaction, exacerbating mental health struggles.

Burnout results in various health issues; many seeking medical help report burnout-related conditions.
The costs associated with poor employee mental health can significantly outweigh direct healthcare expenses, estimated to be 2-3 times greater.
The British economy experienced a recession in 2014, partly due to burnout-related issues leading to reduced productivity.
- Absenteeism resulted in a 39% decrease in productivity.
- Presenteeism (employees being present but unproductive) led to a 64.2% productivity drop.

Stress may precede serious mental health problems like depression.
Prolonged cortisol exposure alters brain function, leading to an "amygdala hijack," increasing vulnerability to burnout and secondary trauma.
Secondary trauma is particularly relevant for frontline workers who experience or witness trauma phenomena directly.