Work-related stress is more than just a mental burden—it has tangible effects on health and financial well-being. According to a Yale University survey, a staggering 26% of workers frequently experience burnout or stress from their jobs. This emotional toll comes at a steep cost, with healthcare expenses nearly 50% higher for individuals reporting high stress levels.

The National Institute of Occupational Science and Health defines job stress as the harmful physical and emotional responses stemming from a misalignment between job requirements and worker capabilities, resources, or needs. Occupational therapy practitioners (O.T.’s) play a crucial role in helping individuals navigate and mitigate these stressors.

Given the diverse nature of work stress, O.T.’s assist workers in identifying the root causes, whether they stem from skill deficiencies or toxic company cultures. Beyond the obvious signs of stress, such as muscle tension and fatigue, it's essential to recognize more subtle indicators like chronic multi-symptom illness, depression, and increased susceptibility to injury.

Recent research even links workplace injuries, suicide, ulcers, and compromised immune systems to job stress. To evaluate your job stress conditions, ask yourself key questions:

Task Design: Are your tasks tailored to your abilities, or do they create unnecessary stress?

Management Style: Does your workplace support your needs, and is communication effective?

Roles Fulfillment: How many roles do you juggle at work, and how fulfilling are they?

Career Concerns: Have you considered job security and attainable goals?

Environmental Conditions: Are work-related aspects contributing to unpleasant or hazardous conditions?

Identifying your top priority among these aspects is the first step toward managing stress effectively. Additionally, take a moment to consider one actionable step you can take today to manage stress.

Whether it's initiating a conversation with your manager, exploring new coping mechanisms, or seeking professional guidance, small steps can lead to significant improvements in your overall well-being. If you need support, don't hesitate to reach out to professionals who can help guide you to reduce work-related stress.

REFERENCES

Northwestern National Life Survey, Scope of Stress in the Workplace, CDC - NIOSH Publications and Products web-page: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/99-101/

Survey by Yale University, What Workers Say About Stress on the Job, CDC - NIOSH Publications and Products web-page: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/99-101/

Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health Medicine, Job Stress and Health, CDC - NIOSH Publications and Products web-page: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/99-101/

Bolliger L, Lukan J, Colman E, et al. Sources of Occupational Stress among Office Workers-A Focus Group Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(3):1075. Published 2022 Jan 19. doi:10.3390/ijerph19031075