For most individuals work is a necessary and healthy part of life. However, in some cases it can be a major source of stress. Although people tend to view all types of stress as bad, it can be either positive or negative. An example of positive job-related stress is starting an exciting new career. Getting laid off, on the other hand, is an example of negative job-related stress.

Stress can also be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic) in duration. Acute stress may occur after a sudden disagreement with a coworker, whereas chronic stress may stem from ongoing problems with finances or supervisors. Chronic job-related stress – or any type of stress that is ongoing – can have a negative impact on an individual’s physical and mental health. According to the National Mental Health Association, one in four people in the United States have reported missing work as a result of job-related stress.  

The stress response is part of the human body's reaction processes to stimuli. This response occurs automatically when a person feels threatened. The brain responds to a potential threat by releasing certain hormones from the pituitary and adrenal glands. These hormones help humans in times of crisis to concentrate and to increase reaction time, strength and agility. They also increase heart rate and blood pressure.

After the initial stressful event passes, the levels of stress hormones decrease, as does the heart rate and blood pressure level. However, having high levels of stress hormones in the body on a long-term basis can disrupt bodily processes including the digestive, immune, nervous and cardiovascular systems.

The reason chronic stress, regardless of the stressor, takes an emotional toll is because the feelings of anger, fear, frustration or anxiety that typically accompany it tend to remain constant. As a result, it is associated with emotional disorders and mental illnesses including anxiety disorders and substance abuse or dependence.

Other health conditions associated with chronic stress include a weakened immune system, diabetes, digestive disorders, back pain, headaches and heart disease.

Lack of job satisfaction is a major source of chronic work-related stress for most people. Because many individuals spend the majority of their time in the workplace, disliking one’s job can have a strong impact on personal stress.

Other conditions that can lead to job-related stress include:

• Job loss. The unexpected loss of a job can take an emotional toll on individuals, especially in situations where workers are not financially prepared to deal with this setback. In some cases, job loss can have devastating consequences, such as an increased risk of death.
  
   
• Frequent overworking. Examples include working long hours with infrequent rest breaks, constantly taking work home and not taking time off for vacation. Research suggests that overworking may lead to an increased risk of high blood pressure, especially for those who do not feel as though they have a great deal of control over their job duties.
  
  
• Conflicting or unclear job expectations. This may include having too much responsibility and/or not enough resources to complete tasks.
  
  
• Having no influence over decisions that directly impact one’s work load, such as personal assignments or work schedule.
  
  
• Lack of compensation for the type of work. Not being paid a competitive salary that corresponds with career demands can be a considerable source of work-related stress.
  
  
• Poor interpersonal relationships with coworkers and/or supervisors. Conflict with peers or supervisors at work can negatively impact one’s satisfaction with a job and may potentially interfere with work performance.
  
  
• Career concerns, such as job insecurity and lack of opportunities for advancement or growth can be highly stressful.
  
  
• Extremes of work activity. A job that is either constantly hectic or dull can be very tiring. It may even lead to burnout over time because people often spend a great deal of energy trying to keep their attention focused in such cases.
  
  
• Unpleasant or dangerous work conditions, such as overcrowding, excessive noise, air pollution or an unhygienic workplace, can not only be extremely stressful, but can also lead to work-related injuries.
  
  
• Commuting to work. Long commute times, carpooling, traffic congestion and relying on public transportation to arrive at work on time can all be sources of stress for employees.

Ongoing symptoms that may indicate job-related stress can include sleep disturbances (e.g., insomnia), development of nervous habits (e.g., nail-biting, grinding teeth), anxiety, mood disturbances (e.g., irritability, depression), inability to concentrate, overeating or loss of appetite and fatigue.

Signs of chronic work-related stress may include migraine or tension headaches, chest pain and/or pounding heart, shortness of breath, digestive problems (e.g., heartburn, upset stomach, diarrhea), excessive weight gain or loss, and high blood pressure.

Individuals should seek prompt assistance from a physician if symptoms of stress are alarming in nature or impede daily functioning. Because of the many physical and emotional dangers of stress, stress management is a vital component in the treatment of many stress-related conditions.