Working with Stress

Numerous studies show that the job is the major source of stress today and it has become a costly epidemic for individuals, corporations and society in general. Recognizing and managing stress pays dividends both personally and professionally.

The Effects of High Stress Jobs
Do you find yourself increasingly feeling worn out, tense, frustrated, unable to concentrate, accident prone, or resorting to substance abuse? These are classic symptoms of too much job stress. Prolonged stress leads to depression and can even cause suppression of the body's immune system. In turn, this increases a person's susceptibility to colds and other infections, cause skin rashes, and destroy libido. Stress affects appetite, causing some to lose weight and others to gain it at an unhealthy rate. As well, some stressed out victims will exhibit severe emotional and behavioral changes like wanting to cry much of the time, anti-social behavior, loss of self esteem, paranoia and ultimately suicidal or homicidal thinking.

The Highest Stress Jobs
Stress can - - and does - - occur in every occupation. But some jobs are inherently more stressful than others. Numerous surveys have yielded consistent results: the highest stress jobs lie in the public sector area, particularly in teaching, health and law enforcement. In order of stressfulness, these occupations rank the highest:

1. Teachers (particularly in inner city contexts)
2. Police, prison and traffic law enforcement officers
3. Air Traffic Controllers
4. Medical practitioners, including nurses, doctors paramedics and social workers
5. Stockbrokers
6. Journalists
7. Call center personnel, and other customer service and complaint handlers
8. Clerical and administration workers, including secretaries
9. Waiters
10. Miners

What causes job stress?
Increased levels of job stress most often arise when people feel they have little control but high demands placed on them. As well, jobs that require employees to exercise the "emotional labour" of hiding their true feelings generate more anxiety. Other factors include the pressure of deadlines, physical conditions at work and interpersonal relations with co-workers.

Pressure has a positive side
Stress isn't all bad. It improves performance, focus, and a sense of accomplishment. It is no coincidence that some of the most coveted careers and successful businesses within Fortune 500 corporations boast the highest levels of job satisfaction, profitability

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