Public policy reforms and “Obama” care

According to the New York State Public Employees Federation a stressor is defined as an event or set of conditions that causes a stress response. (PEF, 2006). They then define stress as the body’s physiological response to the stressor. (PEF, 2006). The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health defines occupational stress as “the harmful physical and emotional responses that occur when the requirements of the job do not match the capabilities, resources, or needs of the worker.” (NIOSH, 2008). Many things can be considered a stressor, including changes in the workload, job insecurity, overtime, harassment, schedule changes, or even just dissatisfaction with the job itself. (PEF, 2006). All people experience and handle stress in different ways.

The Body’s Response

When a person experiences a stressor the body reacts by releasing hormones which can help heighten the senses. (CDC, 1999). The heart rate increases, and the muscles become tense. (CDC, 1999). These things are all part of the nervous system and our body’s flight or fight response, which helps the body respond to dangerous situations. (CDC, 1999).

Long-Term Effects

Small amounts of stress are rather harmless to a person’s health, but if the stress continues long-term it can cause both physical and psychological problems. There can be early signs that too much stress is taking its toll, as well as long term chronic health conditions. According to New York State Public Employees Federation early signs may include:

· Headaches

· Stomach problems

· Eating disorders

· Fatigue

· Muscle aches and pains

· Sleep disturbances (PEF, 2006).

Along with these initial symptoms The American Institute of Stress also lists several psychological effects of stress including:

· Stuttering

· Panic attacks

· Anxiety

· Depression

· Hostility

· Difficulty concentrating or learning

· Forgetfulness

· Frequent crying

· Suicidal thoughts

· Overreaction

· Obsessive compulsive behaviors (The American Institute of Stress, 2015).

According to an article written by The Atlantic employees who face job insecurity get sick almost twice as often as employees with secure jobs. (White, 2015). Due to the increase in illness it is estimated that stress-related health problems cost the United States about $180 billion dollars annually for healthcare expenses. (White, 2015). Many of these health care expenses are linked to chronic conditions that can be caused or exacerbated by long-term stress. The Public Employees Federations Health and Safety Department lists the following conditions to long-term stress:

· High Blood Pressure

· Stroke

· Heart Disease

· Immune system dysfunction

· Diabetes

· Asthma

· Musculoskeletal disorders

· Alcohol and Substance abuse (PEF, 2006).

Prevention

The United States Occupational Safety & Health Administration recommends educating both management and employees about job stress. (OSHA, 2015). They then recommend trying to look for possible job stressors and finding ways to either reduce or eliminate the stressors. (OSHA, 2015). It is also important to try and match an employee’s personality type to the environment they will be working in. (The American Institute of Stress, 2015). Some employees prefer to work in fast paced environments while others prefer quiet slow paced positions. By carefully selecting the position that employee is in management has already begun reducing job related stressors.

Employee Responsibility

It will never be possible to completely remove all job related stress in any position. Therefore it is important for employees to monitor the amount of stress they are feeling, and to look for ways to decrease their stress levels. Employees can learn better time management skills, and be more organized to help reduce stress levels. (Scott, 2014). Employees should also be sure to eat a healthy diet, and get plenty of sleep. (Scott, 2014). There is also an array of stress coping strategies that can be used by employees. According to a study that was done in Iran in 2013, it was found that Swedish massage done twice weekly greatly reduced the stress of Nurses working with critically ill patients. (Nazari, Mirzamohamadi, & Yousefi, 2015).

Employer Responsibility

It will benefit employers to try and reduce employee job stress since studies show that high levels of stress decrease performance. The first step employers can take is to educate their employees about job stress and the effects it can have. Employers can then look for ways to reduce as much job stress as possible. One simple way to do this is through recognition programs which can improve employee morale. Allowing employees to be a part of the decision making processes within the business whenever possible gives them a sense of ownership which can also help reduce job dissatisfaction and stress (NIOSH, 1999).

Employers may also consider including an Employee Assistance Program. These programs can teach workers about sources of job stress, the effects on their health, and skills to reduce stress. (NIOSH, 1999). Employee Assistance Programs may also offer counseling programs for employees that are experiencing problems either at work or personally. (NIOSH, 1999).

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