Workplace stress can make you sick

Being well is more than how one presents on the outside. It’s also about how one is functioning on the inside.

The workplace can also look good from the outside but be sick on the inside.

With either situation, illness (inside the body or in the workplace) takes place.

World Health Organization (WHO) defined health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity.”

Research indicates that workplace health and wellness initiatives have positive implications for organizations and employees. Sadly, many organizations are unhealthy because not only is the organization is unhealthy, but many who work there are also unhealthy.

Organizational success is dependent on having well-qualified, motivated and healthy employees. It is important for each employee to be aware of self-care, as well as self-happiness. All too often, people spend time blaming other employees or the employer for their happiness.

The employer is responsible for keeping the employee safe, be fair in expectations and remuneration and ensure a proper work environment. But they are not responsible for employees’ happiness. We are fortunate to live in a country that has freedom of choice and rights. We can move from job to job if we are not happy.

We must consider, is it the workplace that is making the employee unhappy or is the employee unhappy?

Burnout is a common occurrence that supports unhappiness. Symptoms include: long-term exhaustion and decreased interest in work, family or activities and a compulsion to prove oneself.

Those at risk are often the hard worker constantly trying to prove self-worth, working many overtime hours, constant complaining, blaming, criticism, cynicism, neglecting their own needs, withdrawal or abusing alcohol or other substances.

Behaviour changes become obvious to others and inner emptiness and depression may occur.

Unfortunately, by the time a crisis is picked up, job function (performance, output), health related outcomes (increases in stress hormones, coronary heart disease, circulatory issues) and mental health problems (depression, etc.) can often occur.

There are causes that must not be overlooked, including: a monotonous job, causing boredom and employment not supporting personal control.

Those in the caring-service industries, such as medicine, nursing, counselling, teaching, and law enforcement, are at higher risk.

Does this describe you or someone you know? If so, it is time to make some changes. Start making changes at work.

Those changes include eating a healthier diet. That means minimizing refined foods (including junk, fast food, pop and juices), get moving on your coffee breaks and lunches (walk outside when you can), refuse to be a part of negative gossip and complaining, smile and say hi to everyone you see at work and be a change agent.

Many workplace issues start at the bottom. Yes, often employees feel undervalued and underappreciated.

Until the hierarchy sees your value, act like the way you want to be seen.

Support change at your level and you will see changes that will support the entire organization. Fighting and complaining hurts everyone. Decide today to make the changes that you can, and start with yourself.

Karen Hourtovenko, RN(EC), is a Sudbury-based health and wellness consultant.