Questions and Answers
What is the percentage reduction in employee productivity attributed to presenteeism?
Which biological response is associated with prolonged exposure to cortisol?
What condition is considered a prequel to the development of mental health problems, particularly depression?
In which professions is secondary traumatic stress most prevalent?
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Which of the following is NOT a result of an amygdala hijack?
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What is the main psychological impact of chronic stress on the brain?
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What does secondary trauma primarily involve for individuals in helping professions?
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Which outcome is directly linked to chronic stress affecting mental health?
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Which factors can exacerbate the feeling of burnout among employees?
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What is a common consequence of the brain changes associated with stress?
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Study Notes
Stress and Workload Factors
- 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.
Internal vs. External Sources of Stress
- 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.
Impacts of Poor Mental Health
- 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.
Biological Changes and Mental Health
- 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.
Seeking Help
- Recognizing when to seek help is crucial to manage stress and prevent burnout effectively.
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Description
This quiz explores the impact of increased workload on stress levels within the workplace. It examines both internal and external sources of stress, focusing on how societal expectations and personal motivation contribute to psychological distress. Understand the dynamics of stress in modern work environments and the need for change in perspectives and practices.
