How Stressful Is Your Job?

What makes one job more stressful than another? The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health lists several stress-causing workplace conditions, including these:

Design of tasks. Heavy workload, infrequent breaks, long hours, shiftwork, hectic and routine tasks that have little inherent meaning and provide little sense of control.

Management style. Lack of participation by workers in decisionmaking, poor communication in the organization, lack of family- _ friendly policies.

Interpersonal relationships. Poor social environment and lack of support from coworkers and supervisors.

Work roles. Conflicting or uncertain job expectations, too much responsibility, too many “hats to wear.”

Career concerns. Job insecurity, lack of opportunity for growth, advancement, or promotion; rapid changes for which workers are unprepared.