often arises in everyday work, e.g. when there is temporary pressure to meet deadlines and when there is a commitment to performance. This stress generally has no harmful effects on health and is rather viewed as positive.
Negative work stress is different; it is less common among managers and more common in middle and lower positions. It is often physically demanding, low-skilled work with limited scope for action that causes stress and is linked to high rates of incapacity for work and disability.
Negative stress at work in a company is accompanied by inner tension and restlessness, even to the point of severe discomfort, fear and feelings of threat. Stress also occurs when the pressures are extreme and the demands exceed one's abilities. Multiple stresses are particularly problematic, especially combinations of physical and psychological stress.
Fear leads to negative stress and can make you sick. Studies conducted by the Cologne University of Applied Sciences in companies found that up to 90% of employees suffer more or less from work-related fears.
Of those surveyed, the following were afraid:
• before job loss - 68.4%
• from illness and accident - 67.7%
• Making mistakes - 59.3%
• Losing appreciation and recognition - 52.0%
• Fear of competition - 30.1%
• before loss of authority - 28.4%
• before innovations - 28.2%
• Not doing justice to employees or colleagues - 20.4%
• from misinformation - 15.3%
• from being overwhelmed - 12.5%.
According to an AOK study (published in February 2009), the proportion of mentally-related illnesses among AOK members increased by 80% between 1995 and 2008.
See also:
Health management; ergonomics; occupational safety; working time arrangements; company integration; working atmosphere; fairness; conflict management; motivation; social skills; value orientation; further training; target agreements
Reference to QET guidelines:
E04 Job security; E07 Stress prevention; E09 Working hours; T08 Conflict management; T09 Error culture