Life is the process of an individual’s existence. It is made up of a combination of physical, emotional, social and spiritual experiences. In this process, people are born, grow up, learn, form relationships, work, produce and complete their lives by ageing over time. Along the way there can be happiness, unhappiness, ups and downs, losses and gains in our lives. In all these processes, our brain and body need to adapt to changes and traumas, and be able to create controlled counter-reactions at the required level. There can be many different types of stress, especially from ourselves, our families or our jobs.
41% OF EMPLOYEES WORLDWIDE EXPERIENCE STRESS AT WORK
Stress at work is a common problem for many employees. According to various studies, a significant proportion of the workforce experiences some level of stress. The prevalence of stress can vary depending on factors such as industry, type of work, individual characteristics and workplace culture. Managing stress in the workplace is important to maintain the health and productivity of employees.
According to the Gallup 2023 report, 41% of employees worldwide experience stress at work. According to a 2018 study, the annual cost of work-related stress to society in Europe, Australia and North America is estimated to be between $221 billion and $187 billion, of which 70-90% is due to lost productivity.
In addition to physical strain, psychosocial factors can also be a significant source of stress at work. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2007), half of workers in developed countries rate their jobs as ‘mentally demanding’. Especially in fast-paced and competitive sectors (such as finance, health, technology), stress levels can be even higher.
STRESS IS YOUR BODY’S RESPONSE TO PERCEIVED DANGER. IF THIS PROTECTIVE MECHANISM IS NOT CONTROLLED, IT CAN CAUSE DAMAGE.
Job stress is an emotional and physical condition that occurs as a result of pressure, tension and difficulties in the work environment. Causes of job stress can include factors such as heavy workloads, time pressure, a competitive environment, irregular working hours and job imbalance. In addition, factors such as workplace relationships, management styles and role expectations of employees can also affect stress levels. If work stress persists over a long period of time, it can have a negative impact on a person’s health.
When we are stressed, our bodies release cortisol, the main stress hormone, as well as necessary hormones and substances from the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal glands. Danger signals are sent to the brain, it needs more oxygen and its metabolism changes. It tries to raise blood sugar levels. When faced with danger, the nervous system produces the flight or fight response. In this response, the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems work together.
- Breathing speeds up, heart rate increases and blood pressure rises.
- Cortisol (stress hormone) increases your heart rate, makes you breathe faster and gives you a burst of energy. If you already have a health problem, stress can make it worse.
- Our immune system, which protects us from disease, is weakened and we become more susceptible to infection. In addition, rheumatoid arthritis, collagen diseases, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, skin diseases (such as psoriasis, eczema), bowel diseases (such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis) and existing diseases are all caused by a weakened immune response.
- The digestive system deteriorates, gastrointestinal problems occur, gastritis ulcers in the stomach, intestinal motility disorders, constipation, deterioration of intestinal flora, decrease in digestive enzymes. This leads to poor digestion of nutrients and nutritional disorders.
- Weight changes may be observed. Stress can cause weight changes such as weight gain with overeating, obesity or loss of appetite in some people.
- Metabolism slows down, insulin resistance develops, allergies and food intolerances occur. The digestive system is impaired and gastrointestinal problems are common.
- The musculoskeletal system is also affected. Muscles become tense under stress, migraine attacks occur, fibromyalgia, widespread pain, contractions, cramps are observed. Cortisol causes mineral loss in the bones and the development of osteopenia and osteoporosis. Muscle-bone tissue decreases. It becomes more fragile.
- Chronic stress in particular causes a constant state of inflammation in the body and damage to all systems.
- Brain function decreases, causing fatigue, loss of energy, decreased attention and difficulty concentrating. It can be difficult to concentrate under stress, which can have a negative impact on work performance.
- Emotional instability. Stress can lead to emotional imbalances such as irritability, restlessness, anxiety, anger and/or withdrawal, burnout, depression and low motivation.
- Stress can reduce sleep quality and cause insomnia or other sleep problems.
- Stress can negatively affect your social relationships, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Stress can also reduce productivity at work and have a negative impact on your personal life. Declining business success has a further negative impact on this process. Employees and employers should therefore be aware of methods to break the cycle and manage stress.
Wishing you Healty, Happy and Balanced Days,
Prof. Dr. Nuray Yazıhan
Ankara University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Department of Physiopathology and Head of the Interdisciplinary Food, Metabolism and Clinical Nutrition Unit