The Correlation between Workplace Stress and Unhealthy Behavior - Research Paper Example

? The Correlation between Workplace Stress and Unhealthy Behavior The Correlation between Workplace Stress and Unhealthy Behavior Introduction Recent research indicates that stress resulting from workplace is increasing rapidly and therefore has become a major concern for health practitioners. This issue is linked to a variety of physiological and psychological problems in employees and negative effects on organizations like increased employee turnover and absenteeism. Because of the need to combat rising cases of health costs of workplace stress and the significance of workplace as a means to undertake health programs, a research needs to be carried out to establish the evidence related to job stress and health. The main objective of this research study is to establish the relationship between workplace stress and unhealthy behavior among workers like drug abuse, alcoholism, and eating disorders among other complications resulting from depression. To carry out this research, interviews will be done randomly on five employees aged 30years and above who are within the working age. Semi-stratified method of data analysis will be imperative in the establishment of workers perception of workplace stress and unhealthy behavior (Langan-Fox & Cooper, 2011). Objectives The objectives for this study are: To establish the relationship between workplace stress and unhealthy behavior among workers like drug abuse, alcoholism, and eating disorders among other complications resulting from depression To review the evidence that a system approach to workplace stress is efficient in management of workplace stress management than other alternatives. Estimate the contribution of workplace stress to unhealthy behavior among the working class. Literature Review For the purpose of establishing consistency in this research a literature review was carried out on what other sources assert on the same topic. In this case, there was a review of 15 published workplace stress intervention studies so that a solution to the problem could be sought. As noted, most of the people within the working group get stressed up following poor workplace conditions (Olpin & Hesson, 2009). This ranges from compensation and the way managers related with workers. On the other hand, decision making processes at the workplace contribute largely to the depressing conditions that employees go through (Olpin & Hesson, 2009). There is therefore need to involve staff members in decision making processes so that their grievances are attended to reduce conflicts at the workplace: a situation that has been a major detriment to organizational success. Methodology Based on the nature of the research, qualitative research was used. This provided information on the employee perception of the relationship between workplace stress and unhealthy behavior like engaging in drugs. As such, an interview was carried out on five adults aged 30 years and above since they were within the working class. In addition to the interview, a questionnaire was submitted to the participants to feel in their personal information and respond to specific questions related to the research being conducted (Stellman & International Labour Office, 1998). In the first place, ethical issues were taken into consideration by informing the correspondents on the nature of the research so that permission could be granted for the research to progress. The questionnaires we refilled in and returned to the research at the same time. This would offer information on the analysis of the research results before a valid conclusion could be drawn on the possibility of workplace stress causing employees to engage in drug and substance abuse (Olpin & Hesson, 2009). A semi-stratified technique of data analysis became of imperative significance in the establishment of the validity of the research questions. The following questions were asked during the interview: 1. How often do you get stressed after work? 2. What is the main cause of your stress resulting from workplace? 3. How do you manage the stress? 4. Have you ever tried drug and substance use a means to manage your work place stress? 5. What is the structure of the decision making process at your place of work? 6. How would you rate the general relationship between the manager and other staff members at work? Results and Findings From the interviews carried out, it was discovered that among the five interviewed participants, four of them understood well their workplace and managed their stress at individual level. It was similarly noted that most of the workplace stress for employees is caused by dissatisfaction at their place of work (Stellman & International Labour Office, 1998). This is in terms of payment and decision making processes. 70% of the participants felt that the workers are not consulted before important decisions are made. The management structure was executive management-centered and therefore those employees are the lower level of activity are not considered. This has led to a large number of conflicts between employers and their workforce. In the same way, most stress as discovered is managed at personal level through activities that would pose danger to the employee’s health. About 95% of those interviewed prefer alcohol use as a way of managing their stress. This however has resulted into more complicated problem and conflicts at work. After they use alcohol to manage stress, their next working day is disrupted in terms of absenteeism and lateness at work. This heightens the distress between employees and their employers. At the end of it all, employee turnover has increased among most organizations (Cockerham, 2004). Conclusion and Recommendations Most employees find stress at their workplace in the form of dissatisfaction with the working conditions (Cockerham, 2004). As such, their perceptions are that employees ought to be involved in important decisions carried out by the company. This would involve embracing a system approach to the conflict. This implies that every employee has a right to communicate their problems and therefore they should be listened to for an amicable solution to be reached. In the addressing of health issues at the work place, it is imperative that their sources are established. In this case, employers need to listen to their workers grievances and allowing for modification of distressing situations like better working condition. Compensation for employee motivation is important for profitability of companies as well as avoidance of stress among workers. Workers should similarly be allowed a better communication channel which should be a lateral kind of communication to avoid misinterpretation of information and ultimately reduce cases of stress (Hansell & Damour, 2004). For the purpose of further research in this field, it would be important that future considerations are put on the number of participants. The research used a small number of correspondents which does not offer a better representation of the entire workforce population. Gender balance would also be better in future research so that vulnerability of groups to workplace stress can be established. References: Hansell, J. & Damour, L. (2004). Abnormal psychology. New York: Wiley. Langan-Fox, J. & Cooper, C.L. (2011). Handbook of Stress in the Occupations. Chicago: Edward Elgar Publishing. Cockerham, W.C. (2004). The Blackwell companion to medical sociology. New York: Wiley- Blackwell. Stellman, J.M. & International Labour Office. (1998). Encyclopaedia of occupational health and safety, Volume 1; Volume 5. London: International Labour Organization. Olpin, M. & Hesson, M. (2009). Stress Management for Life. New York: Cengage Learning. Phillips, J. & Gully, S.M. (2011). Organizational Behaviour: Tools for Success. New York: Cengage Learning. Read More