Essay Sample about Work Stress and Its Effects

Today, in the context of the world's rapid development, the problems that can arise from poor work life balance have become a global issue. Whether it is China, with its large population, or Ireland, with its relatively small population. For both employees and employers, work stress has become increasingly common, giving rise to issues such as damage to health, and social unrest. various social conflicts (ILO, I. 2016). Research over the last decade has shown that the proportion of employees experiencing work-related stress has almost tripled in Ireland, from 8% in 2010 to 17% in 2015 (H Russell, B Maître, D Watson - 2018). And a robust study by Hassard suggests that employees who self-report chronic work-related stress in their employee roles also exhibit higher rates of health damaging behaviors. (Hassard, J. 2018).  There are many explanations and possibilities for the causes and effects of work stress and poor life balance that have been further explored and analyzed. Based on the worsening of work stress and poor life balance, the government has actively introduced policies to limit the crisis and social conflict caused by work stress and poor life balance through rigorous discussions. This paper will discuss and analyse the causes and effects of work-related stress and poor life balance. Among the causes of work-related stress are lack of control within the workplace, and lack of skills to content with the given work., different career content backgrounds, and poor freedom of decision making are the two main causes of the problem, (La Torre, G 2018).  The psychologist Selye also highlights the role of internal factors in many ways and defines stress as an emotional response (Galuszka, 2005). Hamer cites a number of situations that can lead to stress, including being threatened in some way in professional life, overworked or hindered (Hamer 1998). Also, significant impacts on economic/national development are shown. In addition, the HAS and HSE have suggested some effective strategies. (Public Health England. 2019) The academic literature provides many definitions of stress as a state of its own caused by various environmental factors.

One of the main causes can be defined as the influence of the work environment, which has triggered work-related stress and poor life balance problems in the last century. interpersonal relationships (Cox, T 2000). According to numerous studies in the literature, different occupations have been found to suffer from different levels of stress, with higher rates of work-related stress particularly in occupations such as nursing and social service work. For example, in the ICU nursing profession, an overly busy workload can lead to a loss of interest and boredom with their work, a finding that suggests that work-related stress can affect ICU nurses' well-being at work. (Kim and Yeom, 2018). In the managerial, organisational profession, most people will suffer from low pay, lack of appreciation, unemployment and stress related to the job or position held they hold (Oginska-Bulik, 2006). Secondly, working hours, shift work and the pace of work are associated with work-related stress, with a higher incidence of work-related stress in occupations such as social service work, due to their precarious pay as well as long working hours and high workloads (Russell, H 2016).

Another major cause can be defined as the worker's personal relationships at work emotional problems that trigger work stress and life imbalance. The role of relationships is very effective in regulating stress at work and is also the most significant cause of stress at work. Due to the lack of a formal protection policy by the Irish government, employees are at great risk of being exposed to this negative influence, which is more harmful to workers than all other sources of stress combined. Lack of support from colleagues in difficult situations, particularly in the service sector, including emotional dysregulation, is associated with the need to hide negative emotions at work (Dollard, 2003, p. 84). In addition, unfair treatment of employees, boring goals and lack of appreciation and respect from colleagues or family members can also contribute to stress. In a specific Irish study, it was found that over 9% of people in a national survey had experienced bullying at work In a specific Irish study, it was found that over 9% of people in a national survey had experienced bullying at work, particularly in the education sector, and this study also showed that violence and poor management were more likely to occur in the public sector (Hodgins, M 2018).

The effects of work related stress can manifest both physically and psychologically, particularly in the nursing profession. It is clear that some of the harmful effects on society are caused by the following factors in a study of ICU nurses, work-related stress can substantially affect ICU nurses' perceptions of their well-being at work. Well-being in the workplace can have a significant impact on the worker, which allows staff to be motivated to multi-task, be more productive and experience job satisfaction. And a professional identity such as that of an ICU nurse can reduce work-related burnout, increase interest in work, improve enthusiasm and quality of care, and keep the nursing team together, which is a very important positive psychological quality (Estiri et al., 2016). However, excessive stress can have an unquantifiable impact on the psyche, for example in the nursing profession, where they are in a high-intensity workload and therefore feel unusually fatigued, and irregular routines can reinforce outbreaks of mental illness and have a knock-on effect. This is a major health problem in the working population and leads to increased and prolonged sick leave (Henderson M 2011). In more severe cases, serious medical illnesses such as coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction and stroke can occur. However, most people experience fatigue, and in the survey, the number of people with vocational training, lower socio-economic status and income, as well as those who work shorter hours per week, increased in comparison (Hapke U, Maske U 2012). Thus, work-related stress can have an impact on mental and physical health.

In addition, the so-called 'family relationships' promoted in many contemporary organizations have seriously distorted and disrupted normal family life. Managers seem to have a particularly hard time balancing their professional and personal lives. Transferring from a stressful work environment to a family environment can have many negative consequences. Families are often the victims of chronic tensions caused by work stress. To cope with stress symptoms, different psychoactive substances are often used, such as nicotine, alcohol, and drugs, which undoubtedly affect a family's functioning. As a result of the manager's indifference, isolation, and emotional instability, their difficult situation can even lead to family breakdown. Symptoms of stress in the family environment include over-reaction to the behavior of family members, frequent mood swings, irritability, lack of control over one's emotions, difficulties in communicating with family members, not knowing how to spend time and relax together, distancing oneself from family matters and problems, a tendency to postpone family holidays, treating important matters as unimportant, being negative about advice and suggestions given by family members, and a reluctance to participate in social life, for example with friends. There can be no doubt that an overworked employee, chronically stressed, and under pressure will not be as effective as his employer expects" (sysko - romanczuk & zdrzenicka, 2011, p. 93). 

In terms of solutions, in general, given the high and increasing rates of workplace bullying, it is important for governments to develop public policy responses. Examples include behavioural modelling, interventions designed to act on complaints, uncivil behaviour and the provision of appropriate training (Vartia, M.; Leka, S. 2011). In terms of personal health, it is important to try to adjust one's routine, eat healthily, take time to exercise regularly and take a holiday to relax. Individuals can also focus on improving Don't worry too much about what you can't control, do the best you can, improve your work ethic and communication with your colleagues and family. Improve your self-awareness. Turn the pressure of work from stress to motivation.

In conclusion, work stress increases with professional background, emotional factors, managerial pressure and poor interpersonal relationships. Light work stress can have a positive effect on worker productivity and increase motivation. However, excessive work stress can have an impact not only on work attitudes and well-being, but also on social relationships, and the impact of emotional instability on family relationships can be immeasurable and even lead to family breakdown. The government needs to improve employee protection policies and create a good labor system. Secondly, personal health must also be considered and done as well as it can be done.