Stressed out at Work?

Case Study– Stressed out at work? Help is on the way

1. What are the primary reasons why many employees are experiencing high levels of stress nowadays? Identify and describe the reasons

The text gives several reasons why employees are experiencing high levels of stress such as personal and financial issues (Gibson, ^[a]2012). Example of such would be fewer hours at work. I spent six years at my previous company, and during the winter time, the company would reduce hours because there was not much business during this period. This put a financial strain on a lot of people because the reduced hours would occur from November until January during the holidays. Another issue that employees are dealing with stress as work is layoffs; this is another financial strain on many people because it's a loss of income and even a bigger loss if that person has a family to feed. Each of the reasons mentioned does put a burden on many people especially when you have bills to pay and a family to feed.  Lastly, another issue that can cause stress for employees is workplace harassment such as cyber bullying and physical harassment. In a study by the labor and law ^[b]group workplace bullying can lead to high levels of stress and can cost the company millions. In a recent survey, some companies spend over $250 million in healthcare, retraining, and litigation.  

1. Why do many of the survivors of layoffs experience stress?

Being let go from a job can be a tough time for many people. This is a time dealing with loss and change.^[c] The biggest loss is income because if there is no money coming into the household then things will change drastically such as spending, a person may have to move into a more affordable living space, some people may have to cut back on unnecessary habits such as eating out all the time, spending too much money on entertainment such as movies, partying, traveling, etc. It can also cause anxiety, anger, sadness, fear, etc.  

However, these layoffs not only affect the people who were let go, but they also affect the people who did not get laid off. Survivor of these layoffs experiences high stress due to the changes made by the company and in constant fear of losing their jobs (Gibson, 2012). Some of these survivors may feel guilt. Survivors of these layoffs now understand that they have to take on more job assignments which can cause longer hours, less time with family and friends and even more stress. Another issue that may arise is that some employees may not work as hard as their lower levels of commitment to the company declines^[d]. A study from conducted by leadership IQ says that 74% of employees who kept their job says that their productivity has declined (Murphy, 2015). Other research shows that these survivors of these layoffs may look for work elsewhere which may cause them to leave the organization due to lack of trust voluntarily.