By:
Chuck Woods (352) 392-1773 x 281

Source(s):
Mark Wade mawade@mail.ifas.ufl.edu, (772) 468-3922, ext. 135

FORT PIERCE, Fla.— Uncertainty over the economy, terrorism and the war in Iraq has many people on edge – especially at work.

In fact, stress has become an epidemic, according to a University of Florida management specialist who says nearly half of all employees worry about losing their job. Others say they are “often or very often” burned out by their work.

“While challenges can energize and motivate people, both mentally and physically, stress is caused by demands that cannot be met, leading to exhaustion and excessive stress,” said Mark Wade, an assistant professor with UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

“Whether it’s on the job or in our personal lives, constant change requires that we live an emotionally nomadic lifestyle, always adapting to new challenges,” Wade said. “When the requirements of the job do not match the capabilities, resources or needs of the worker, that’s when people feel stressed out.”

He said the implications of job stress on human health are well documented. Cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders such as back, shoulder and neck pain, psychological disorders such as depression, workplace injury and ulcers are some of the problems linked to high stress levels.

Job stress is estimated to cost American industry $200 billion to $300 billion annually through absenteeism, reduced productivity, employee turnover, accidents, worker compensation awards, and direct medical, legal and insurance fees. He said 40 percent of worker turnover is due to job stress.

Wade, based at UF’s Indian River Research and Education Center in Fort Pierce, said health-care expenses are almost 50 percent higher for workers who report high levels of stress. Stress-related disorders are becoming the most common reason for work disability. Neurotic reaction to stress is now the fourth-ranked disabling workplace injury. On average, more than 25 days were lost by each person suffering job stress.

“Each individual handles stress in a different way and personality traits make some individuals more prone to job stress than others,” he said. “Regardless, the first step to reducing job stress is the ability to recognize early warning signs.”

These can include headache, difficulty sleeping, problems concentrating, irritability or short temper, upset stomach, low morale, job dissatisfaction, fatigue, back problems, anxiety or panic attacks.

“To reduce workplace stress, try to redesign tasks and take rest breaks, encourage good communication and involve workers in decision-making, foster a positive social environment and mentoring opportunities, clearly define worker roles and responsibilities, provide a safe and pleasant working environment, and encourage a balance between work and personal life,” Wade said.

For more information on job stress, Wade recommends the following Web sites: http://www.jobstresshelp.com or http://workhealth.org.

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