Although women in different jobs face different physical andhealth dangers, stress is a major problem for most working women. Stress atwork is defined as anything that causes too much strain or pressure on aperson, and it is increasingly being linked to various health problems. Medicalresearch has shown that stress can cause changes in blood pressure, heartbeat,stomach juices and other body functions. Perhaps even more serious are theemotional and psychological problems caused by stress. These include anxiety,depression, and lack of motivation and loss of enthusiasm.
Employers have come to accept that stress cause illness,absenteeism and reduced productivity. However, not enough is done to createless stressful work environments. Stress is still often seen as work-relatedproblem.
More can still be done by employers and workers to reduceworkplace stress. Here are some ideas to implement:
· Change the thinking that stress is a personalweakness and that the individual alone needs to be treated. Start looking atthe worker in relation to the workplace and identify how this contributes tothe stress. Identify ways of changing the workplace to minimise stress.
· Also, develop workplace policies, which preventdiscrimination on the grounds of race, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation,or disability.
· Make sure that the job, tools, and equipment aresuited to the worker and her skills.
· Give individuals and groups of workers mortindependence and a greater role in decision-making.
· Ensure that health care services at work canhelp workers cope with stress.
Remember, stress is a common threat to everybody!
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