Workplace stress is onset by a number of different factors. These stressors not only cause concern for overall worker health, but it also causes concern for overall workplace safety. A recent study has indicated that more than 1,400 workers have described what stressors they experience most often. The California-based company, Wrike, Inc, that conducted this study discusses how these stressful situations for workers diminish productivity levels.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Occupational health is a large concern for all, which is why the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health was created. The institute states that factoring in job stressors can help have a better impact on overall productivity. Exposure to these stressors directly impacts safety in the workplace and the mental health of all involved. It has to be factored in, along with many other things, to create a truly effective safety culture. Here are the top three contributing factors to stress in the workplace:
Missing Information
According to Wrike’s survey, 52% of workers reported that missing information is a common cause for stress. Not only does this stress people out since they have to wait for the information before they continue their work, but it can also cause a safety hazard. Two workers at a Texas stamping plant experienced injuries to their hands because they were unaware of the procedure for shutting the machine down. If this information would have been available, the accident could have been avoided. The employees were also never trained on which protective equipment to use, such as the cut-resistant gloves that could have kept the hands intact. All important information regarding machine operation and which equipment is necessary needs to be known by all employees within the business.
Problems With Prioritizing
The CEO and founder of Wrike, Andrew Filev, explains how the pile of work every day only gets worse. Depending on what you do about it, the situation can be improved though. This is often because of the prioritizing tasks. When employees have problems prioritizing, too many tasks get left unaccomplished and have to be done the next day. This puts productivity further and further behind. Over half of surveyed employees stated prioritizing as a workplace problem. If workers focus on one important task first, they are less likely to rush through things and cause an accident.
Setting Unrealistic Goals
Just under half of the surveyed workers agreed that unrealistic goals were a valid cause for concern. Filev agrees, saying these goals often result from miscommunication. If workers learn to communicate better as to who needs to get which tasks completed, then less problems would occur. Overwhelmed workers are far more likely to be in a rush and slip up, causing an injury. Employees should not be forced to meet unrealistic goals, but instead employers should work with employees to determine what schedule works best.
Stress in the workplace is not only stressful, but it can be quite dangerous. Workplace safety is a top concern for companies. Eliminating any stressful situations, such as unrealistic goals, prioritizing problems, and missing information, will help to improve safety in the workplace and keep employees on track for their productivity goals.
