It is almost inevitable that we will experience some degree of job stress at some time in our working lives. Even those that get the chance to do work they are passionate about and enjoy will still experience job stress in their careers at some stage.So many different things can lead to work stress which can’t be avoided and others can easily be avoided or overcome with minimal changes in lifestyle or working practices.

One of the most common causes of work stress or job stress if you prefer are the pressures our employers put on us as workers. All to frequently employers pile on far to much responsibility and accountability on their work force expecting too much in to short a time with little or no training.

Workers concerned about losing their jobs as a result of downsizing within a company or worried about being seen as not pulling their weight do everything within their power to achieve in line with often unrealistic expectations of the senior and junior management. This constant feeling of having to perfom to appease management puts staff under pressure which leads to work stress.

Another category of work stress is that caused by stressful working practices. This might include over supervision of workers carrying out more menial tasks or failing to give those credit who are more capable and able to work with minimal supervision.Other contributors to job stress are discouraging work practices such as the lack of a clear job description, no recognition or reward for a good performance and the absence of opportunities to use personal talents all of which add a lot to stress.

When staff are unable to air grievances and concerns this leads to worry and discontent and even anxiety. If unchecked this can lead to a pressure cooker like working environment of over stressed workers.

Job stress can also be as a direct result of bullying which is increasingly common as workers become disatisfied. Staff may bully or tease others for a number of reasons and even for no reason at all. This includes sexual harrasement, threats and teasing due to religion or race. Some insensitive employees may even spread malicious gossip in order to destroy status or position.

Power starved managers or bosses may upset, be-little or harass staff to enforce their position. Men and women may find themselves subject to sexual innuendo, sexual discrimination,taunting and embarrasement.

This sort of thing often leads to high levels of stress for workers who are looking to get on with their job and prevent abuse. Plus of course the obvious negative effect this alone has on the victim. Such unacceptable behaviour can also lead to lack of self confidence, diminished self esteem and self worth.

We should not of course ignore a once common problem which is now thankfully less prevalent thanks to working reforms and increased awareness of health and safety issues in the work place. A once major contributor to work related stress was a poor working environment .Dirty, noisy and unsafe working areas leads to risk of stress and in extreme cases severe depression. However a well thought out, safe working area will improve productivity and worker satisfaction.

If the area is unhealthy such as one with lots of dust and fumes from chemicals, stress can increase quickly and make job stress almost intolerable.Such a working environments are health hazards and should be avoided.