Stress at workplace – Men vs. Women. / Causes and ways to monitor stress at work.

Many studies have been conducted to get a better understanding of the job related stress, scholars are still trying to decide which gender is more prompt to feel under stress in a business environment. Surveys present that one-third of the workforce face chronic stress in connection with their job. Surveys also show higher levels of stress in women than men. For many years women have fought for their rights, but still at this present time women feel under-appreciated and underpaid in comparison with male co-workers at same level within the organization.

Women experience more stress, as they are under the impression of not getting equal business opportunities, room for improvement and professional development as men do. Articles state that women go through higher stress level during a regular workday than men, since women feel their job won’t be appreciated and won’t receive the same recognition as if were presented by a men. Women and men have exhibited different emotional response to stress. Men are more practical and present a “ go for it “ attitude, whereas women prefer an integrated and friendly environment.

Women present higher level of stress than men due the fact they feel in disadvantages regarding job recognition, career opportunity and professional development. Women must learn how to separate professional from personal life in order to reduce stress levels, which have a direct impact in job performance.

Michie, S. Causes and Management of stress at work. Vol. 59, 67–72
Weber, L. & Shellenbarger, S. (2013). Office Stress: His vs. Hers

Stress is influenced by the interaction between the circumstances and the individual. Generally, stress arises when individual are not able to complete the deadline of tasks and objectives set by a higher level of authority. Individual working under stress is not competent to accomplish any set goals both personal and professional levels. Stress on personal levels can be the cause for health conditions, low self-esteem and personal growing. Furthermore, stress also have a significant impact on he organization, stress can increase absenteeism, lower performance and intensify interpersonal conflicts among staff members.

In nowadays-fast speed business environment, the demands and pressure set on individuals are really high, causing the well-known workplace stress. Workplace stress can emerge due to two main factors content of work and organizational context of work. Content of work can be described as excess of responsibilities, long work hours, insufficiency of time off, inadequate working conditions and tight schedule and dues dates. Organizational context refers to unsupportive, strict and hard to please managers or supervisors who prefer to use threat of punishment instead of friendly and open communication environment.

Individuals, along with managers’ guidance must develop methods and techniques to monitor and keep under control stress at personal and organizational levels. Individuals must learn how to understand themselves, and organize their life in order of priority in an effort to reduce stress. Once individuals set priorities and get a better understanding of their personal traits will be easier for them to manage different situations without feeling overload or stress. “A wide variety of training courses may help in developing active coping techniques for example, assertiveness, communications skills, time management, problem solving, and effective management ” (Michie, 2002).