When was the last time that you experienced pure bliss, joy, happiness and satification on your job?
Do you have these moments daily, weekly, monthly, yearly or not at all?
Human Services Providers experience burn out and stress related illnesses more often than many other professionals, due to feelings of work responsibility obligation and denial of self preservation and care. WOW!!!!! Really?
I did some research to look at the work place in America, and how stress is impacting the lives of workers in America. I found a study that indicated Burn out for Human Services professionals is not job related. It is directly connected to the individuals ability to effectively manage stress, time, organizational skills and emotional thoughts. I was not expecting this finding, however, it does sound correct. We all know that the work of a Social Worker is never done; however, we are constantly, feverishly, and intensely trying to.
80% of workers in America feel stress on the job, nearly half say they need help in learning how to manage stress and 42% say their coworkers need such help;
- 14% of respondents had felt like striking a coworker in the past year, but didn't;
- 25% have felt like screaming or shouting because of job stress, 10% are concerned about an individual at work they fear could become violent;
- 9% are aware of an assault or violent act in their workplace and 18% had experienced some sort of threat or verbal intimidation in the past year.
- 65% of workers said that workplace stress had caused difficulties and more than 10 percent described these as having major effects;
- 10% said they work in an atmosphere where physical violence has occurred because of job stress and in this group, 42% report that yelling and other verbal abuse is common;
- 29% had yelled at co-workers because of workplace stress, 14% said they work where machinery or equipment has been damaged because of workplace rage and 2% admitted that they had actually personally struck someone;
- 19% or almost one in five respondents had quit a previous position because of job stress and nearly one in four have been driven to tears because of workplace stress;
- 62% routinely find that they end the day with work-related neck pain, 44% reported stressed-out eyes, 38% complained of hurting hands and 34% reported difficulty in sleeping because they were too stressed-out;
- 12% had called in sick because of job stress;
- Over half said they often spend 12-hour days on work related duties and an equal number frequently skip lunch because of the stress of job demands.
- These findings are supported by other studies that put their significance in perspective.
CHRONIC STRESS IS KILLING PEOPLE
Chronic stress is defined as a continuous progression of stressful events, emotions, thoughts, and responsibilities without significant periods of resolution, rest, relaxation or medical attention.
What are you doing about your stress levels ?
What are you willing to do about saving your life?
(Social Workers at the International Society of Spirituality and Social Work Conference 2009~ working it out)
What needs to happen at work to make a real difference in your life?
Speak to Me........What is on your mind?
