Answer to Question 1
Task complexity relates to the number of different demands made on the worker. A job perceived as being too complex may cause feelings of inadequacy and result in emotional stress. Repetitive and monotonous work may lack sufficient complexity so that the worker becomes bored and dissatisfied with the job and possibly experiences some stress associated with the boredom.
Control over the job assignment can also be a source of workplace stress. Most worker experience less stress when they participate in determining the work routine, including schedule and selection of tasks. Several studies have indicated that workers prefer to take control of their job assignment and experience less workload stress if given this opportunity.
A feeling of responsibility for the welfare or safety of family members may produce on-the-job stress. Being responsible for the welfare of his or her family may cause a worker to feel that options to take employment risks are limited. A worker may then perceive that he or she is trapped in the job. Overly constrained employment options may lead to anxiety and stress. The feeling of being responsible for the safety of the general public has also been shown to be a stressor. This sometimes occurs when road and bridge construction creates complex or unusual traffic patterns. A feeling of great responsibility associated with a job can transform a routine activity into a stress-inducing task.
Job security involves the risk of unemployment. A worker who believes that his or her job is in jeopardy will experience anxiety and stress. The ready availability of other rewarding employment and a feeling that one's construction skills are needed reduce the stress associated with job security issues.
Workload demands can stimulate stress when they are perceived as being overwhelming. These demands may involve time constraints and cognitive constraints such as speed of decision-making and mandates for attention. Workload demands may also be physically overwhelming if the worker is poorly matched to the physical requirements of the job or is fatigued. Whenever the worker believes the workload to be too demanding, stress can result.
Psychological support from managers and co-workers gives a feeling of acceptance and belonging and helps defuse stress. A lack of such support may increase the perception of a burdensome workload and result in stress.
The lack of environmental safety can also be a cause of stress. Feeling that one is in danger can be a stressor. Workers need to feel safe from environmental hazards such as extreme temperatures, pressure, electricity, fire, explosives, toxic materials, ionizing radiation, noises, and dangerous machinery. To reduce the potential for stress due to environmental hazards, workers should feel that their managers are committed to safety and that their company has an effective safety program.
Answer to Question 2
Workplace stress is primarily a mater of person-workload fit. The status of the person-workload fit can influence the acceptance of the work and the level of acceptable performance of that work. The perception of workload may be affected by the worker's needs and his or her level of job satisfaction. The relation between job demands and the worker's ability to meet those demands further influence workplace stress.
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