Although women in different jobs face different physical and
health dangers, stress is a major problem for most working women. Stress at
work is defined as anything that causes too much strain or pressure on a
person, and it is increasingly being linked to various health problems. Medical
research has shown that stress can cause changes in blood pressure, heartbeat,
stomach juices and other body functions. Perhaps even more serious are the
emotional and psychological problems caused by stress. These include anxiety,
depression, and lack of motivation and loss of enthusiasm.
Employers have come to accept that stress cause illness,
absenteeism and reduced productivity. However, not enough is done to create
less stressful work environments. Stress is still often seen as work-related
problem.
More can still be done by employers and workers to reduce
workplace stress. Here are some ideas to implement:
·
Change the thinking that stress is a personal
weakness and that the individual alone needs to be treated. Start looking at
the worker in relation to the workplace and identify how this contributes to
the stress. Identify ways of changing the workplace to minimise stress.
·
Also, develop workplace policies, which prevent
discrimination on the grounds of race, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation,
or disability.
·
Make sure that the job, tools, and equipment are
suited to the worker and her skills.
·
Give individuals and groups of workers mort
independence and a greater role in decision-making.
·
Ensure that health care services at work can
help workers cope with stress.
Remember, stress is a common threat to everybody!
