Nearly 50 percent of all U.S. workers feel overwhelmed by a growing number of job tasks and longer working hours. Work overload leads to stress-related conditions and burnout. In fact, 72 percent of American workers experience frequent, stress-related physical or mental conditions that greatly increase health care costs. In addition, 40 percent of employee turnover is due to stress.

Causes of Workplace Stress

There are several causes of stress in the workplace, the most prevalent being work overload. Fifty percent of workers report that they often spend 12-hour days on work-related duties and an equal number of people frequently skip lunch. With the recent downsizing most employees are now performing the work of two to three people. Other causes of workplace stress include:

• Lack of control over one’s area of responsibility or destiny
• Lack of communication or feedback
• Role ambiguity; unclear expectations
• Contact overload, especially with difficult people
• Personality – controlling, inflexible, perfectionist

Job Burnout

Such factors can cause undue stress. Over time such stress leads to burnout. Symptoms of burnout include fatigue, depression, forgetfulness, irritability and physical complaints. Burnout results in decreased effectiveness and lower productivity.

So how can you avoid burnout? How can you better manage the stress on your job? Besides the obvious recommendations of getting plenty of rest, eating right and exercising, here are some other specific recommendations: develop a good support network, renew yourself on a regular basis, and maintain a positive attitude.