How Does A Negative Work Environment Create Job Stress?

Does a crabby co-worker or an overly demanding boss increase stress? Absolutely. According to my job stress research, the environment at work is the 3rd leading cause of stress.  This makes sense for a couple of reasons: First, stress is contagious. Sitting next to a highly stressed person increases your stress.  A recent study indicates this second-hand stress reaction may be hard-wired.  Chemicals released in one body due to stress signal the rest of the group of danger.  This reaction comes in handy if we all need to escape a burning building, but isn’t helpful when it leads to burn-out.  This second-hand nature of the stress reaction is one reason stress is referred to and the “new smoking.” Second, disfuctional dynamics block teamwork, creative thought, and creates stress. Several recent articles (links below) point out the importance of a psychologically safe environment for team success.  If people don’t feel safe in expressing different views or ideas and making mistakes, creativity is squelched and projects don’t evolve.  The best teams develop excellent interpersonal relationships and avoid being head-to-head competition. Interesting articles: Clean Up Corrosive Interpersonal Dynamics on Your Team The Two Traits of the Best Problem-Solving Teams Six Smart Ways to Deal with a Passive-Aggressive Coworker How do you protect yourself from a negative environment at work? Highly stressed people double their risk of a heart attack or ...
Source: Embrace Your Heart Wellness Initiative - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: Employee Wellness Job Stress Leadership Productivity Stress Management Teamwork Source Type: blogs