Aspects of Stress in the Workplace

Aspects of Stress in the Workplace

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Aspects of Stress in the Workplace

Work-related stress is one of the major issues around the world. It affects both the health and wellbeing of employees and the productivity of organizations. Work-related stress occurs when the work demands exceeds the capabilities and capacities that an employee can cope with. Some of the main causes of work-related stress include job insecurity, long working hours, heavy workload, and conflicts with co-workers. As such, it is generally caused by a poor work environment.

The day-to-day work of clinical nurses is wrought to several stressors. These stressors include changeable shifts and rosters, long working hours, and noisy work environments. Management issues, lack of resources, and difficulty in balancing work and home responsibilities are also some of the stressors that clinical nurses experience. Caring for patients is also emotionally draining to nurses. This coupled with several interpersonal relationships that clinical nurses develop in the workplace may lead to stress for many clinical nurses. Clinical nurses may also feel disempowered by the management when decisions should be made. They may feel poor leadership and role confusion of the management compromises their expertise.

Compartmentalization is one of the main coping strategies that nurses can use to minimize stress. They should ensure they leave any work-related concerns at the workplace when they complete their shifts. This would help the nurses achieve a good work-life balance. Learning to say no is also one of the coping strategies that nurses can use to limit their stress. Most people in the healthcare are naturally inclined to immediately accept when someone asks for their help. Instead of immediately offering help, the nurses should first consider whether they have the time and energy. As such, they should firmly but politely say they cannot offer a helping hand if they have an overloaded schedule. Nurses should also develop emergency stress coping strategies. These strategies would help them when they feel overwhelmed. Some of the emergency stress coping strategies include taking a quick break by oneself in a quiet place and taking several deep breaths. Nurses should also ensure they create a personal safe place in their homes. They should have a personal space within their homes that acts as a safe sanctuary. Nurses can also ensure they do something that makes them happy each day. Reserving 20 to 30 minutes to do something that makes the nurse happy would go a long way towards elevating their mood, which would help them cope with work stress.