Concept of stress and work related stress

Concept of stress and work related stress: Work stress is the response people may have when presented with work demands and pressures that are not matched to their knowledge and abilities and which challenge their ability to cope. Stress occurs in a wide range of work circumstances but is often made worse when employees feel they have little support from supervisors and colleagues.


According to Dibie (2006), work stress is the harmful physical and emotional responses that can happen when there is a conflict between job demands on the employee and the amount of control an employee has over meeting these demands. In general, the combination of high demands in a job and a low amount of control over the situation can lead to stress. Also, Igweobi (2010) stated that, stress is the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demand placed on them at work. Stress is not an illness, it is a state. However, if stress becomes too excessive and prolonged, mental and physical illness may develop.

The point in the above definitions of stress is that, well-designed, organized and managed work is generally good for us but when insufficient attention to job design, work organization and management has taken place, it can result in work related stress. Hence, work related stress develops because a person is unable to cope with the demands being placed on them. Stress, including work related stress, can be a significant cause of illness and is known to be linked with high levels of sickness, absence, staff turnover and other issues such as more errors. Stress is a natural reaction to too much pressure. In line with the above, Udeagha (2010) opines that, stress can be described as the distress that is caused as a result of demands placed on physical or mental energy.

Also, Olakunori (2009) stated that, stress is a natural human response to pressure when faced with challenging and sometimes dangerous situation. It is over internal response to external events. In other words, it is what our bodies and minds experience as we adapt to a continually changing environment. Thus, stress is a body’s method of reacting to a challenge. Stress can make the individual more susceptible to physical illness like the common cold. Stressful events, such as job changes, may result in insomnia, impaired sleeping and health complaints. Stress is a feeling of strain and pressure.

Igbafen (2009), succinctly defined work stress as the physical, mental and emotional reactions of workers who perceive that their work demands exceed their abilities and/or their resources (such as time, help/support) to do the work. It occurs when they feel they are not coping in situations where it is important to them that they cope. Hence, this research views stress as, a feeling of being overloaded, wound-up, and tense and worried as a result of too much responsibilities or duties at the work place.

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