Work-related stress a clear risk factor for sick leave

Middle-aged women who experience work-related stress have a significantly increased risk of future sick leave, a University of Gothenburg study shows. Lack of influence and conflicts at work are clear stress factors.

Background Research:

The research conducted by the University of Gothenburg heavily focused on the impact of work-related stress on middle-aged women. It’s crucial to understand that work-related stress is a common problem affecting many individuals across genders and various professions. The World Health Organization defines work-related stress as „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.“ It includes factors such as long working hours, heavy workload, lack of control over one’s job, job insecurity, etc.

Through the research from the University of Gothenburg, it is clear that this issue plays a significant role in one’s willingness or availability towards attending their job scope. Their site specifies dire correlations between increased sick leaves with middle-aged women who experience persistent issues like lack of influence at workplaces or continuous conflicts.

Now let’s dive into some frequently asked questions related to this study are:

FAQs:

1) **What exactly does „work-related stress“ mean?**
Work-related stress refers to psychological distress or tension that arises out of problems or difficulties experienced at the workplace. This can range from high workload demands, long working hours, challenging relationships with colleagues or superiors, little control over one’s tasks etc.

2) **How does work-stress lead to sick leave?**
Chronic Stress can lead to various health issues including but not limited mental illnesses (like depression), cardiovascular diseases(insomnia), lowered immunity – making an individual more prone to infections.

3) **What were the specific findings in this study?**
The study found that middle aged women are at an heightened risk for prolonged sickness absences when they experience continual conflict situations at employment spaces.

4) **Why is this study significant?**
This study underlines how important it is for employers/managers/HR officers need acknowledge mental health and ensure they create safe conducive environments where employees‘ psychological wellness isn’t compromised.

5) **How is the study being received by experts in the field?**
Although I cannot provide personal viewpoints of various individuals, the study does align with other research that suggests prolonged exposure to stress can adversely impact a person’s health and their ability to function at their job. Thus, it’s generally seen as additional evidence supporting changes in workplaces.

6) **What measures can be taken to prevent work-related stress?**
Prevention involves both organizational-level interventions such as ensuring reasonable workload demands, job control etc and individual-level strategies such as stress management trainings including mindfulness or other coping mechanisms/resources for good mental health.

Originamitteilung:

Middle-aged women who experience work-related stress have a significantly increased risk of future sick leave, a University of Gothenburg study shows. Lack of influence and conflicts at work are clear stress factors.

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