Job Stress is 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. Job Stress can be a cause of poor health and injury, leading to a mental health condition, or exacerbating an existing condition.

Job Stress is different to Job Challenge. Job Challenge motivates us to learn new things and master our jobs. It energises us and makes us want to show up at work. When a challenge is met we feel relaxed and satisfied. It helps us maintain productivity. It is often what people mean when they say "a little bit of stress is good for you".

Job Stress results from the interaction of the worker and the conditions of work. Exposure to stressful working conditions (job stressors) have a direct influence on health and safety, and individual and situational factors can strengthen or weaken this influence.  This is the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (USA) Model of Job Stress.

The research on Job Stress demonstrates that in can lead to an increased likelihood of:

- Cardiovascular Disease

- Musculoskeletal Disorders

- Psychological Disorders

- Workplace Injury

- Suicide

- Cancer

- Ulcers

- Impaired Immune Function

(Encyclopedia of Occupational Safety and Health)

Interventions to alleviate job stress involve both the worker and the organisation. Workers can consider their work-life balance, their level of support from friends and coworkers, and also their own mindset. Job conditions that lead to job stress include the design of work tasks, the management style of leadership, the quality of interpersonal relationships at work, the clarity of work roles within the organisation, career concerns and environmental conditions.

To find out more about job stress and what you can do about it click here to make an appointment.

Relationship stress refers to the strain and tension that arises within interpersonal relationships. It occurs when there are difficulties, conflicts, or challenges in the dynamics between two or more individuals.

Relationship stress can occur in various types of relationships, such as romantic partnerships, friendships, family relationships, or work relationships. It can have a significant impact on the emotional well-being and overall quality of the relationship.

Here are some common causes and factors contributing to relationship stress:

- Communication Issues

- Conflict and Disagreements

- Trust Issues

- Changes and Life Transitions

- Lack of Boundaries

- External Stressors (e.g. work, finance)

Relationship stress can lead to the following concerns:

- Emotional Distress

- Decline in Mental Health

- Physical Health Problems

- Communication Breakdown

- Reduced Self-Esteem

- Social Isolation

- Poor Performance at Work

Addressing relationship stress requires open communication, empathy, and a willingness to work together. Interventions to reduce relationship stress involve all parties. Interventions can help to gain an understanding of the specific challenges and dynamics within the relationship, communication skills training, relationship education and psycho-education, conflict resolution strategies, emotion regulation and stress management.

To find out more about relationship stress and what you can do about it click here to make an appointment.