Overview
Work-related stress is a growing global concern that impacts both mental and physical health. It occurs when the demands of the job exceed an individual’s capacity to cope. This type of stress can lead to burnout, reduced productivity, chronic health problems, and even mental illnesses like depression or anxiety. Addressing work-related stress early is critical to maintaining a healthy workforce and overall well-being.
What is Work-related Stress?
Work-related stress is a form of occupational stress that arises when an employee perceives that their work demands exceed their resources, skills, or time. It may result from pressure to meet deadlines, high workloads, lack of support, unclear job expectations, or toxic work environments. Unlike short-term stress that can motivate performance, chronic work stress can harm both the individual and the organization.
Symptoms
Symptoms of work-related stress can be physical, emotional, cognitive, or behavioral, including:
Physical Symptoms:
- Headaches
- Fatigue or low energy
- Muscle tension, especially in the neck and shoulders
- Insomnia or disturbed sleep
- Upset stomach or digestive issues
- Elevated heart rate or blood pressure
Psychological and Behavioral Symptoms:
- Anxiety, irritability, or mood swings
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feeling overwhelmed or hopeless
- Withdrawal from coworkers or family
- Increased absenteeism
- Use of alcohol, drugs, or food to cope
Causes
Common causes of work-related stress include:
- Excessive workload or unrealistic deadlines
- Lack of job control or autonomy
- Job insecurity or fear of layoffs
- Conflicts with colleagues or management
- Lack of support from supervisors
- Poor communication and unclear expectations
- Harassment, discrimination, or bullying
- Long hours or shift work that disrupts work-life balance
Risk Factors
Certain factors make individuals more vulnerable to developing work-related stress:
- High-pressure professions (e.g., healthcare, finance, tech, education)
- Lack of coping skills or support networks
- Perfectionism or overcommitment
- Low job satisfaction or mismatch between skills and tasks
- Personal life stressors (e.g., financial problems, caregiving responsibilities)
- Organizational culture that undervalues employee well-being
Complications
If unmanaged, work-related stress can lead to:
- Burnout syndrome (emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, low personal achievement)
- Anxiety disorders or depression
- Substance abuse
- Sleep disturbances
- High blood pressure, heart disease, or gastrointestinal issues
- Decreased job performance or workplace accidents
- Poor workplace morale and increased employee turnover
Prevention
Preventing work-related stress requires both organizational strategies and individual coping skills:
For Employers:
- Encourage work-life balance
- Provide adequate staffing and resources
- Set realistic expectations and deadlines
- Offer employee assistance programs (EAPs)
- Promote a supportive and inclusive workplace culture
- Encourage breaks, flexible work, and mental health days
For Individuals:
- Practice time management and prioritization
- Use stress-reduction techniques (e.g., mindfulness, breathing exercises)
- Maintain healthy lifestyle habits (diet, exercise, sleep)
- Set boundaries between work and personal life
- Seek professional support or counseling when needed
- Foster social connections at work and home
Treatment Options in Korea
South Korea has become increasingly aware of mental health issues like work-related stress and offers a variety of support services:
- Psychological counseling and therapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Mental health clinics in both public and private hospitals
- Employee support programs (EAPs) offered in large corporations
- Mindfulness and stress management workshops
- Psychiatric services for severe anxiety, depression, or burnout
- Online counseling platforms and mobile apps for discreet support
- Wellness centers and stress clinics in major cities like Seoul and Busan
- Institutions like Seoul National University Hospital, Samsung Medical Center, and Yonsei Severance Hospital provide comprehensive mental health care, including occupational psychiatry services
South Korea is also taking policy steps to reduce overwork and enhance mental wellness in the workforce, such as enforcing maximum work hours and promoting mental health awareness campaigns.
