Essay Sample Dedicated to the Effects of Stress in the Workplace

In the workplace, individual stress has a toll on the employee or even employer professionally, physically, emotionally and psychologically. When somebody is stressed, there are factors which cause the release of stress hormones such as cortisol and norepinephrine (Bickford, 2005). These factors such as temperature, lighting issues (especially low lighting), overworking and insufficient sleep are termed as stressors because they induce the production of stress hormones. There are physical signs for a person who is stressed in the workplace. The hormone cortisol is produced when stress levels or high or when blood glucose is low; stress may manifest itself in the form of irregular eating habits, digestion problems, and ulcers.

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High blood pressure, heart, and respiratory complications may ensue as a result of too much stress. Fatigue is also another physical effect that stress has on the body. When people work too hard and too long without rest, burnout ensues where the affected employee is too exhausted to work. If burnout is not checked in time and the employee is given time to rest, it might lead to depression and other mental complications (Bickford, 2005). Blood red eyes and sleeping on the job are also physical signs of excess stress. There are other physical signs on the affected person's health such as headaches, migraines, skin discoloration and so on.

Exposure to sunlight is a good remedy for reducing stress. Ultraviolet rays of the sun that are absorbed through the retina increase the brain's serotonin levels. Just twenty minutes of sunshine daily is enough for the body. Besides boosting serotonin, a neurotransmitter that brings about feelings of calmness and overall wellbeing, sunlight is also essential to achieve regular sleep patterns (Noblet & LaMontagne, 2006). The circadian rhythm is the name of the sleep-wake cycle people have. The balance of sleep and waking up is linked to exposure to sunlight. Hence, in the workplace, people should be encouraged to get some sunlight exposure during breaks (Cooper & Cartwright, 1994). It will help people to clear their minds, getting rid of stress.

Physical exercise is another method of fighting stress. When somebody exercise blood circulation is better, endorphins are produced which flood the brain with feelings of happiness (Bickford, 2005). Endorphins are also the body's version of a painkiller. Exercise includes yoga and meditation; these are mental exercises as they make the brain focus. The better the body is physically, the better it is mentally. People who exercise a lot also sleep better and are more aggressive in work. The third way is talking or opening up. Socializing helps unclutter the mind, keeping the brain fresh. Oxytocin is produced when people socialize and talk about their problems; oxytocin does the opposite of adrenalin as it induces a warm, fuzzy feeling of being at home (Tetrick & Winslow, 2015). Sometimes workplace politics, rivalries and competitions become too toxic. Co-workers need to be friends first and be open amongst themselves. Workers should talk over lunch, at breaks and they should also organize after-work teambuilding activities.

If I were managing a client facing stress, I would consider some ethical issues such as treating the client with respect. I would listen to them keenly; impartially without judging. Also, there is the matter of confidentiality (Zhou, Jin & Ma, 2015). Whatever the client tells me- personal or professional is strictly confidential. It would be unethical if I revealed details of the stressor to the employer or spouse. To encourage the client, I could use positive reinforcement to help him, or her be in control of the therapy. In the case of the pressure at work and workload, I have an ethical mandate to prioritize the health of the employee first (Tetrick & Winslow, 2015). Some instances require that I prioritize the organization for example if the employee's stress levels are hurting the company then I have a contractual obligation to my employer to tell the employee to style up or ship out.

References

Bickford, M. (2005). Stress in the Workplace: A General Overview of the Causes, the Effects, and the Solutions. Canadian Mental Health Association Newfoundland and Labrador Division, 1-3.

Cooper, C. L., & Cartwright, S. (1994). Stress-Management Interventions in the Workplace: Stress Counselling and Stress Audits. British Journal of Guidance & Counselling, 22(1), 65-73.

Noblet, A., & LaMontagne, A. D. (2006). The role of workplace Health Promotion in addressing Job Stress. Health Promotion International, 21(4), 346-353.

Tetrick, L. E., & Winslow, C. J. (2015). Workplace Stress Management Interventions and Health Promotion. Annu. Rev. Organ. Psychol. Organ. Behav., 2(1), 583-603.

Zhou, H., Jin, M., & Ma, Q. (2015). The remedy for Work Stress: the Impact and Mechanism of Ethical Leadership. Central European journal of public health, 23(2).