In today’s uncertain employment environment any job is considered a good job. However, too many people are in jobs that are literally making them sick.

Jobs and Stress

Stress has the biggest impact on health in the workplace. People who work in companies that have been seeing layoffs and closures, find themselves under an enormous amount of stress, worrying who might be next on the chopping block.

Certain types of jobs have higher stress levels than others, but how one handles stress is important, too. If a person thrives on long hours and a high pressure atmosphere, then a stressful job might not be a problem. But, for people who do not deal well with stress, there is a greater likelihood that stress will cause health problems.

To avoid stress in the workplace, it is necessary to examine what is the underlying cause. Is it the job’s duties? Some job duties have built in stress factors, like piloting a jetliner or working in a busy law firm. Other job duties may be stressful only to an individual, like a shy person who needs to deal frequently with clients.

Coworkers and office gossip can be very stressful, as well. Conflict with supervisors or someone’s management style can also induce stress.

When an employee is under a lot of stress, for whatever reason, it begins to take a toll on health. Mentally, depression can kick in. People have had nervous breakdowns and anxiety attacks from work stress. It also has a physical affect on health. Stress lowers the immune system, leaving one more susceptible to illnesses.

Take that Job and Shove It

Rarely is a job worth the negative impact on one’s life. A bad job not only makes one ill, but also can give the employee such a negative attitude that it carries over into life with family and friends. At that point, an employee should look into a job change. It could be as simple as transferring to a different office within a large company, or it could be as drastic as changing careers. Or it might be recognizing the stress triggers in a particular job and trying to change them.

No job is without stress, but your job should not ruin your health.