Job Conditions That May Lead to Stress
The Design of Tasks: Heavy workload and long hours with few breaks during the shift work physically tire workers.
Hectic tasks that have little inherent meaning and do not use workers’ skills provide little sense of control.
- Example: David works to the point of exhaustion. Theresa is tied to the computer, allowing little room for flexibility, self-initiative, or rest.
Management Style: Lack of participation by workers in decision-making, poor communication in the organization, lack of family-friendly policies.
- Example: Theresa needs to get the boss's approval for everything, and the company is insensitive to her family needs.
Interpersonal Relationships: Poor social environment and lack of support or help from coworkers and supervisors.
- Example: Theresa's physical isolation reduces her opportunities to interact with other workers or receive help from them.
Work Roles: Conflicting or uncertain job expectations, too much responsibility, and too many "hats to wear."
- Example: Theresa is often caught in a difficult situation trying to satisfy both the customer's needs and the company's expectations.
Career Concerns: Job insecurity and lack of opportunity for growth, advancement, or promotion; rapid changes for which workers are unprepared.
- Example: Since the reorganization at David's plant, everyone is worried about their future with the company and what will happen next.
Environmental Conditions: Unpleasant or dangerous physical conditions such as crowding, noise, air pollution, or ergonomic problems.
- Example: David is exposed to constant noise at work.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-7. "Theresa needs to get the boss's approval for everything, and the company is insensitive to her family needs." This is an example of _____.
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