What causes occupational stress?
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) defines occupational stress as “the harmful physical and emotional responses that occur when the requirements of the job do not match the capabilities, resources, or needs of the worker.” The following workplace factors (job stressors) can result in stress: • Job or task demands (work overload, lack of task control, role ambiguity) • Organizational factors (poor interpersonal relations, unfair management practices) • Financial and economic factors • Conflict between work and family roles and responsibilities • Training and career development issues (lack of opportunity for growth or promotion) • Poor organizational climate (lack of management commitment to core values, conflicting communication styles, etc.) Stressors common in health care settings include the following: • Inadequate staffing levels • Long work hours • Shift work • Role ambiguity • Exposure to infectious and hazardous substances Stressors vary among heal
