It’s estimated that in the UK work related stress is responsible for six million days of sick leave every year. Stress is known to be a major factor in absenteeism and is linked to an increasing number of minor and major illnesses.

Harvard physician Andrew Weil believes that "The way we react to the daily hassles of life or to be specific stressful events can mean the difference between ‘coming down with’ an infection or remaining symptom-free. Since most of the microbes that afflict humans are already in our bodies, they play a part in disease only when other risk factors lower our immunity." Stress is known to suppress the body’s immune system.

The majority of people spend 25% of their adult lives at work. Work does not just provide an income it is also a major contributor to an individual’s sense of purpose, satisfaction and self-esteem. It is a potential major contributor to stress levels.

What is work-related stress?

Because of the pace of modern living most people experience pressure in the workplace. Irregular, short-term pressure can help us to be more productive because our bodies are designed to meet those short-term demands. We naturally produce hormones including adrenaline that are released into the bloodstream. These hormones prepare us for a "fight or flight" response to stressful situations.

However, if we are exposed to these situations on a regular or consistent basis then excessive and prolonged stress can take its toll. Prolonged exposure to these high levels of ‘stress hormone’ is known to produce a range of physical and emotional health problems which have become collectively known as "work-related stress".

Everyone has different threshold or tolerance levels to stress. Some people are affected more than others, so what is stressful for one person may not be stressful for another. But for those affected, the physical symptoms are very real and can manifest in a range of symptoms that include; colds, flu, headaches, muscle pains or cramps, back-pain, tiredness, insomnia, indigestion, ulcers, heart problems.

Any of these symptoms may indicate prolonged exposure to stress, which is best dealt with quickly. Those concerned that they need help should visit their GP for advice. Drugs may be prescribed to offset the effects of stress yet other non-chemical treatments are available and include counselling, stress management and self-help courses.

You deserve Less Work Stress

Specifically designed to reduce stress in the workplace, the ‘Less Work Stress’ audio programme combines six therapeutic techniques proven to reduces stress. Less Work Stress naturally changes your stress threshold levels, leaving you better equipped to manage the previously difficult situations that arise in everyday working life.
The benefits are many-fold. Existing users report dramatic changes in their working relationships, specifically with reductions in tension and conflict situations, an improved ability to resolve issues, better working environments leading to increased productivity and over time a reduction of absenteeism. Should you wish to improve your working environment or simply reduce the effects of stress click here to find out more about the Less Work Stress audio programme.

In conclusion

For many, stress is an inevitable but unwanted companion to modern working life. Challenges and pressures may well provide some sparkle, but we all have the capacity to be overwhelmed by work-related stress. Most have felt its negative effects. The best defence is to manage stress by being aware of our response to it, taking action and making effective changes to our working lifestyle.