19 Consequences of Occupational Stress Chronic occupational stress is detrimental to the health and well-being of employees. It has both psychological and physical effects that can lead to consequences not only for the individual but also for the employer. Stress-related health issues interfere with productivity, decrease retention, and drive up the costs of health plans for employers. This chapter reviews the consequences of occupational stress on both employees and employers, with an emphasis on the cyclical nature of their relationship. After reading this chapter, you will be able to: ■ Identify consequences of occupational stress for employees ■ Identify consequences of occupational stress for organizations ■ Describe the cycle of occupational stress CONSEQUENCES OF OCCUPATIONAL STRESS ON EMPLOYEES Effects of chronic stress in the workplace can lead to (Ekundayo, 2014; Roberts, Grubb, & Grosch, 2012): ■ Increased absenteeism ■ Disengagement ■ Diminished job satisfaction ■ Decreased productivity ■ Work-related injuries ■ Low morale ■ Burnout ■ Compassion fatigue ■ Psychological distress including anxiety, depression, fatigue, and low self-esteem ■ Physical consequences such as hypertension, ulcers, migraines, and immunosuppression Several of these factors have been explored extensively in relation to the nursing profession. Specifically, burnout and compassion fatigue are consequences of the work-related stressors that nurses face regularly. Fast Facts in a Nutshell Nurses who find meaning in their work are less likely to experience burnout (Rosales, Labrague, & Rosales, 2013). EFFECTS OF CHRONIC STRESS ON NURSES: BURNOUT AND COMPASSION FATIGUE Compared with other health care providers, nurses are more prone to burnout (Rosales et al., 2013). Burnout results from chronic workplace stress and is characterized by physical, emotional, and psychological exhaustion (Allen, Holland, & Reynolds, 2015). Signs of burnout include (Bisk, 2016): ■ Constant fatigue ■ Feeling overworked ■ Feeling underappreciated ■ Lack of enthusiasm about work ■ Compassion fatigue Compassion fatigue plagues those whose work involves communicating compassion for those who need emotional support. Compassion fatigue develops over time as a result of chronic work stress. Compassion fatigue involves (Hegney et al., 2014): ■ Behavioral changes ■ Inability to demonstrate compassion for patients and families ■ Sadness ■ Depression ■ Anxiety ■ Intrusive thoughts ■ Flashbacks ■ Emotional numbness ■ Avoidance ■ Cynicism ■ Poor self-esteem ■ Survivor guilt Fast Facts in a Nutshell
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