The high cost of stress in the workplace
Mary experiences a racing heart every time her supervisor passes her desk. She has been battling serious headaches and is on the verge of developing ulcers. She is a single mom. Fear of being laid off and an excessive workload has taken a toll on her health, but she doesn't take time off because she doesn't want to be seen as replaceable or lazy.
Jim rarely speaks up in meetings. He has learned to keep a low profile to avoid being publically ridiculed by the boss. On a scale of one to 10, Jim's morale and self-confidence is hovering around a two. He dreads getting up each day to go to work.
Susan has been juggling work and caring for her ailing mother for the past six months. She tosses and turns at night with worry about work and the mounting medical bills. Her doctor prescribed sleeping pills as well as anti-depressants. Last week, Susan's boss gave her a written warning for excessive lateness and for falling asleep at her desk.
Unfortunately, situations like these are quite common in the workplace today. According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, signs of workplace stress include headaches, sleep disturbances, poor concentration, short temper, upset stomach, depression, fatigue and burnout. If left untreated,
