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Unit 12: Handling Stress at Workplace

12.6 Environmental Factors Notes

The environment in which the organizations operate has a profound impact on their working.
The economic, political, and technological events happening in the external environment cause
stress in varying degrees as they have many uncertainties associated with them. The anxiety
aroused by uncertain environmental factors carries over into the workplace and then to our
personal lives. Some of these factors are included here.
12.6.1 Economic Uncertainty

Downsizing, rightsizing, retrenchment, restructuring, etc. are all done in the name of efficiency
and cost reduction to improve profitability. The employees who are made redundant as a
result of these exercises are forced to look for other means of sustenance. With the regulatory
announcement made by the government, organizations are left to find ways to manage these
uncertainties which can cause anxiety and stress both for the employer and the employees.
12.6.2 Technological Changes
Advancements in technology in the form of automation, computerization, and robotics have
contributed immensely to the productivity and profitability of organizations. However, it also
has caused displacement of skilled workers who have to now learn new skills to match up with
the expectations of the organization. The knowledge of advanced technology also creates a
disparity between the new breed of workers and the old masters of the game. Older employees
are generally resistant to learning necessary technical skills and competing against the younger
employees who are proficient in them. This gap creates a feeling of negativity and antagonism
between the two breeds of workers, thereby generating stress.
12.6.3 Political Uncertainty

Political disturbance in the external environment has tremendous impact on the working of
business organizations. The philosophies, policies, and the systems approved by the ruling
political party determine the ways in which organizations have to operate. This is more visible
in government-funded organizations like aerospace, defence, and science and technology. Even
unemployed persons can feel stressed out about political uncertainties as they might affect
their social security and welfare.

12.7 Consequences of Stress

Unhealthy chronic stress can result in physiological, psychological, and behavioural changes
in individuals. Some of these symptoms remain unnoticed for a very long period of time.
Individuals who rely on fast-track living tend to assume these symptoms as a part of their life
style and, therefore, keep avoiding it for a very long period. Since the symptoms of stress are
so varied, they may be overlooked or mistaken. Special attention should be paid to prolonged
headaches, elevated blood pressure, fatigue, and depression. The physiological, psychological,
and behavioural consequences of stress are depicted in Figure 12.3.

12.7.1 Physiological Consequences
The physiological consequences of stress include heig blood pressure, increased pulse rate,
sweating, hot and cold flashes, headaches, and gastrointestinal disorders. Medical experts have
attributed more that 50% of illnesses such as ulcers, arthritis, and allergies to stress. A very
high correlation has been observed between job dissatisfaction and heart diseases among workers
from more than 40 different occupations. Besides this, stress-related illnesses are a heavy load
on individuals and organizations. The cost is borne not only by individuals but by organizations
as well.

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