Work-related stress and fatigue are two common but different problems that can have a significant impact on human physical and mental health. In this blog, we will go over the relationship between work stress and fatigue as well as their adverse impact on mental and/or physical health. We also try to cover work-related stress symptoms, employee burnout, the top 10 causes of stress at work, work-related factors of fatigue, work fatigue symptoms, causes of fatigue and how can I reduce work-related stress and fatigue.
Stress is associated with work variables such as the position and work shift in which they work and with the condition of receiving confusing orders from their superiors, which can make it difficult to carry out their activity.
Stress as a clinical entity involves a series of organic alterations(gastrointestinal, dermatological, headaches etc.) and acts by causing or aggravating these conditions, as well as being the precursor of more serious disorders such as depression or anxiety since the response of the stress also mobilizes emotional, cognitive and behavioural aspects.
Fatigue is a feeling of tiredness or exhaustion. It can be caused by a variety of factors including stress, lack of sleep, illness or medication. fatigue can also be a symptom of several medical conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, anaemia or depression.
Fatigue is overwhelming tiredness that doesn’t seem to be relieved by any kind of rest. While stress is the inability to meet the demands of the work environment, fatigue is that feeling of tiredness and weakness. Someone suffering from job stress or employee burnout may or may not show signs of fatigue. And you can experience fatigue and not be experiencing job stress or employee burnout.
Distinguish between work-related stress and fatigue
The main difference between work-related stress and fatigue is that stress is a state of mind, while fatigue is a physical state. Stress can lead to fatigue, but fatigue can also occur without stress. An employee may be experiencing job stress but still maintain interest in her work and her team. World health organization defines work-related stress and fatigue:
Intrinsic demands of the job, individual susceptibility, and poor work organization contribute to increased stress in health workers. Prolonged job stress may cause burnout, chronic fatigue, absenteeism, high staff turnover, reduced patient satisfaction, and increased diagnosis and treatment errors.
It is important to note that job dissatisfaction does not share the physical or psychological symptoms of work-related stress and fatigue. But the behavioural signs can be similar, for example, absenteeism. Here is a table summarizing the key differences between work-related stress and fatigue:
| Characteristic of work-related stress and fatigue | Stress | Fatigue |
| Definition | A feeling of physical or emotional tension | A feeling of tiredness or exhaustion |
| Cause | A variety of factors, such as work, relationships, financial problems, or health concerns | Lack of sleep, illness, medication, or medical conditions |
| Symptoms | Increased heart rate, rapid breathing, sweating, muscle tension, headaches, trouble sleeping, irritability, difficulty concentrating | Tiredness, exhaustion, lack of energy, difficulty concentrating, difficulty making decisions |
| Treatment | Stress management techniques, such as relaxation exercises, yoga, or meditation | Rest, sleep, medical treatment for underlying conditions |
Work-related stress definition
Work-related stress is the negative reaction that employees have to excessive pressures or other types of demands placed on them in the workplace. It can affect anyone at any level of an organization and can be caused by various factors such as work design, organization, management, interpersonal relationships, work-life balance, etc. Work-related stress can damage an employee’s health and business performance.
It occurs when you can’t deal with your environment, and the inability to respond often has undesirable consequences. Job stress in particular has repercussions on job performance and the quality of work as well as on personal life. Work stress implies less motivation, a passive attitude, greater frustration and dissatisfaction, and a lack of participation.
The most frequent symptoms of work stress can be divided into physical symptoms: high blood pressure, heart problems, cervical and lumbar pain, gastric and duodenal ulcers, digestive disorders, tremors, headaches, dizziness, immunodeficiency, tumours, etc.
Work-related stress can be caused by a variety of factors, such as work, relationships, financial problems, or health concerns. In other words, it is the physical and mental reaction to a challenge or change that affects our work, and that takes place in the environment or position where we carry out the functions that correspond to us and where we develop our professional career.
According to health and safety executives (HSE) in the United Kingdom, stress-related disorders and musculoskeletal disorders accounted for the majority of days lost due to work-related ill health in 2021/22, 17.0 million and 7.3 million respectively. An estimated 1 million workers are absent every day due to work-related stress and fatigue. The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work reported that more than half of the 550 million workdays lost each year due to absenteeism are work-related stress and fatigue in the US.
Work-related stress symptoms
The typical stress activation process of the body occurs when time is prolonged. In this case, the negative feelings and emotions end up surpassing and dominating the positive ones and can trigger physiological signs and behavioural changes such as these:
- Emotional: anxiety, aggression, apathy, boredom, depression, fatigue, guilt, shame, irritability, bad temper, sadness, low self-esteem, tension, nervousness and a feeling of loneliness.
- In thought: inability to make decisions, to concentrate, frequent forgetfulness, hypersensitivity to criticism, mental blocks…
- In behaviour: predisposition to accidents, drug use, emotional outbursts, excessive eating, drinking or smoking, lack of appetite, excitability, impulsive behaviours, speech disturbances, nervous laughter, inability to rest and tremors.
- At work: absenteeism, poor labour relations, high job turnover rates, poor organizational climate, antagonism to work, lack of satisfaction with job performance, and poor productivity.
In short, this type of stress directly affects the quality of life of those who suffer it, often becoming a reason for sick leave. And is that, currently, the labour sphere affects all the other plots of the person: psychological, relational, personal, economic and even the physical state.
People experience job stress when they feel there is an imbalance between what is required of them at work and the resources they have to meet those demands. When we’re stressed, our bodies release hormones that can lead to several symptoms, including:
- Increased heart rate
- Rapid breathing
- Sweating
- Trouble sleeping
- Irritability
- having difficulty concentrating
- lose confidence in your job
- not feeling motivated or committed to your work
- having difficulty making decisions
- feeling depressed
- feel anxious
- Feeling more emotional: You may be more tearful or sensitive.
- feeling irritable or having a bad temper
- feeling overwhelmed or unable to “turn off”
You can also get physical effects. These may include:
- feeling tired and having no energy
- diarrhoea or constipation
- indigestion
- Muscle tension (aches and pains)
- Feeling sick
- Headaches
- gain or lose weight
- chest pains or chest tightness
- have sexual problems or no longer enjoy sex
If you are stressed, it can also affect your behaviour. For example:
- eat more or less than usual
- have trouble sleeping
- drink alcohol, smoke, or take illegal drugs to try to cope
Top 10 Causes of Stress at Work
- Heavy workload: Having too much work to do can lead to stress, as it can feel overwhelming and make it difficult to meet deadlines.
- Lack of control: If you feel like you have no control over your work, this can also lead to stress. This could be because you have no say in your tasks, your hours, or your co-workers.
- Unclear expectations: If you’re not clear on what’s expected of you, this can also lead to stress. This could be because your job description is vague or because your boss has unrealistic expectations.
- Toxic work environment: If you work in a toxic environment where there’s bullying, harassment, or discrimination, this can also lead to stress.
- Lack of a clear job description or chain of command.
- Lack of recognition or reward after having had a good job performance.
- Little job stability or insecurity about maintaining the position.
- The time factor: On many occasions, it is also the case that the tasks need to be executed in record time. Sometimes because we don’t organize ourselves well and time is running out and other times because they are urgent and immediate tasks that we must have for our bosses as soon as possible. What you have to do is take into account whether the required task will be able to be executed in the time requested. If not, asking for help is something that is not only bad but also lightens our mental load.
- Self-demand: Trying to have everything is already something that sometimes more than our managers or bosses demand from us. We do not realize that our level of self-demand if it is high, can pose a greater burden than those already required by day-to-day tasks.
- Labour relations with the work team: When tensions or frictions occur and we work together with people who we consider to be unethical in their way of acting, a feeling of helplessness, overwhelm and discouragement occurs. Work stress, in this case, appears as an added factor.
How can I reduce stress at work?
Conducting a risk assessment and identifying the sources of stress in the workplace might reduce work stress. Implement measures to eliminate or minimize the stressors, such as improving work organization, communication, participation, support, etc.
Provide training and guidance for employees and managers on how to cope with stress and promote well-being. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions and make adjustments as needed. Some possible ways to prevent or reduce work-related stress are:
- Create a job description: Creating a job description or reviewing an out-of-date description can help you gain a better understanding of what is expected of you and give you a greater sense of control.
- Set reasonable goals: Do not accept more work than you can reasonably handle. Work with your boss and coworkers to set realistic expectations. Being aware of what you can achieve every day can be helpful.
- Manage your use of technology: Cell phones and email can make it hard to disconnect from work. Give yourself certain limits, like turning off your devices during dinner or after a certain time at night. Put a limit. If your working conditions are dangerous or uncomfortable, work with your boss, management, or worker organizations to resolve the problem. If this doesn’t work, you can report the unsafe working conditions to the health and safety department.
- Get organized: Start each day by creating a to-do list. Please rank these tasks in order of importance and solve them from top to bottom.
- Learn other ways to manage stress: There are many other ways to manage stress, including exercising regularly and using relaxation techniques. Set aside time in your week to do things you enjoy, whether it’s pursuing a hobby, or watching a movie. Take advantage of your free time. Go on vacation or take time out regularly. Even getting away for a long weekend can help give you some perspective.
Burnout syndrome
Both the mind and the body need balance to stay healthy and advance in the realization of future projects. When a person is suffering, the compensatory mechanisms have failed in their task and stagnation and anguish begin to take control of thoughts and decisions. The most frequent symptoms that must be taken into account to determine if you suffer from work-related stress and fatigue or burnout syndrome are:
- Fatigue or chronic tiredness: At this point, it is essential to take into account the relationship between the tasks performed and the degree of exhaustion felt. In general, in burnout, mental fatigue reaches the level of making it impossible to enjoy outings with family, and friends, or carry out a hobby outside of work hours.
- Minor recurring illnesses without specific causes: A psychosomatic factor is a warning from the body about a situation that generates pain or anguish. Repeated colds, sore throats, muscle aches or injuries can be a clear sign that the mind feels imprisoned and in need of a change in routine.
- Suppressed anger: Constant irritability or anger without a proper justification is a clear symptom of stress. If these negative emotions affect the workplace above all, it may be work stress.
- Depersonalization: The person perceives himself as separate from his own body or mind. In other words, he acts and performs all the daily activities but lives them in the third person. He depersonalizes himself so as not to suffer and to be able to continue with his work. This defence mechanism is very common in all areas of life, but if it happens particularly in the office, it is a clear symptom of burnout syndrome.
- Neglect of image and pleasures: Lack of energy to look good, eat healthy, or lead an active and positive routine is one of the first symptoms of burnout. Little by little, the person loses the passion for activities and pleasures that they used to enjoy and that brought them happiness.
That feeling of emptiness and the absence of rewarding and objective styles can trigger depression and/or anxiety, so it is important to treat yourself and consult a specialist to overcome work-related stress and fatigue and motivate yourself to grow.
Indicators of burnout
Burnout is a different state of mind. Under stress, there are difficulties in coping with the pressures. But once exhaustion takes hold, you have lost all hope of overcoming your obstacles. When you suffer from burnout, it’s more than just fatigue. You have a deep sense of disappointment and hopelessness because your efforts have been in vain. These are the primary indicators:
- Disillusionment/loss of meaning
- Mental and physical fatigue and exhaustion
- Bad mood, impatience and bad temper
- Loss of motivation and less interest in commitments.
- Inability to meet obligations.
- Reduced immunity to disease
- Emotional detachment from prior involvements
- Feeling that efforts are not appreciated
- Withdrawal from co-workers and social situations
- Hopelessness and a forlorn and depressed outlook
- Absenteeism and labour inefficiency
- Sleep deprivation
- Confused thinking and difficulty concentrating
What is workplace fatigue?
The meaning of fatigue is “Discomfort caused by a more or less prolonged effort or by other causes, and which sometimes produces physical alterations”. Although we all know that it is synonymous with tiredness, fatigue is also the feeling we feel after a long and tedious effort.
For this reason, applied to the workplace, work fatigue is the condition of fatigue, lack of motivation and even physical ailments that appear in a worker subjected to unfavourable and long-term working conditions. Are we referring, then, to the fact that all professionals who suffer from work fatigue find the cause in poor conditions? Not much less.
In general terms, fatigue is defined from the physiological point of view, we can consider fatigue as a “painful sensation that is experienced after prolonged or intense physical or intellectual work”. Work fatigue is a consequence of excessive activity and monotonous work, and can be alleviated with reasonable hours, adequate rest periods, and sufficient time for sleep, recreation, and eating. Fatigue, therefore, appears as a decreasing aptitude to carry out work.
Causes of fatigue
As we have said before, many factors can influence a worker’s work fatigue. Not only are the type of work that is carried out but its time conditions or the vacations that a worker enjoys also decisive. Environmental, mental health and well-being, and social factors will also play a role.
- The monotony of tasks: Constant repetition of the same tasks can lead to fatigue and boredom, which affects motivation and performance. This situation can generate disinterest and a lack of creativity at work.
- The intensity and duration of physical and mental work: Carrying out tasks that require great physical or mental effort can cause fatigue and tiredness in the worker. If the intensity and duration of these tasks are prolonged, it can cause physical and mental exhaustion.
- The physical environment of work (temperature, noise, light): The work environment can influence the level of worker fatigue. For example, a high or low temperature, constant noise or lack of light can increase tiredness and decrease attention.
- The excess of mental conditions (responsibility, worries, and conflicts): If the worker is exposed to situations of high responsibility, conflicts or constant worries, it will generate anxiety and stress and this, in turn, would cause the worker fatigue at work.
- Chronic diseases and pain: Occupational diseases can cause work fatigue because they generate physical and mental discomfort in the worker, affecting their performance and productivity at work.
- Poor nutrition: The lack of a balanced and nutritious diet can decrease the energy of the worker and generate fatigue. In addition, lack of hydration can affect concentration and work performance.
Types of work fatigue
Work fatigue can manifest itself in many ways. And, as with other conditions such as stress or anxiety, each person experiences it in their way. Next, we see what their main typologies are:
- Physical work fatigue: It manifests itself through ailments or physical health problems. For example, it can manifest itself with muscle tension, injuries of various kinds or weakening or affecting other senses (vision, hearing defects…).
- Mental fatigue: Social changes, pressure, stress and many other factors of work fatigue can end up manifesting in mental health. This work-related fatigue is usually related to jobs that involve a postural sedentary lifestyle. They also manifest with states of exhaustion, the sensation of dullness mental saturation or hypervigilance.
- Sensory fatigue: Some people experience fatigue related to their senses and their functions. It appears in those people who constantly use their senses to work: sight in front of the screen, hearing in a noisy factory.
- Psychological or nervous fatigue: Another manifestation of fatigue at work is associated with very repetitive activities and at a hectic or very fast pace (nervous fatigue). In the case of psychology, it is related to jobs with high responsibility or pressure.
- Chronic fatigue: it is produced by a lack of recovery and insufficient rest in successive stages of work or outside of it, which causes a feeling of physical and emotional discomfort that, maintained over time, results in chronic fatigue, fed back for the daily routine.
Work-related factors of fatigue
It is important to note that fatigue can also be caused by factors outside of work, such as poor sleep habits, medical conditions, and medications. However, work-related factors can play a significant role in fatigue, and it is important to address these factors to improve employee health and safety. Work-related factors that can contribute to fatigue include:
- Long work hours: Working long hours, especially without adequate breaks or rest, can lead to fatigue. This is especially true for shift workers, who may have to work nights or weekends.
- Physically or mentally demanding work: Jobs that require a lot of physical or mental exertion can also lead to fatigue. This is because these jobs can tax the body’s resources and make it difficult to recover from the day’s work.
- Shift work: Shift work, which involves working at different times of the day or night, can disrupt the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. This can lead to fatigue, as well as other health problems such as sleep disorders and obesity.
- Night work: Night work can be particularly fatiguing, as it goes against the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. Night workers are more likely to experience sleep deprivation, which can lead to fatigue, impaired judgment, and increased accidents.
- Job stress: Job stress can also contribute to fatigue. This is because stress can lead to muscle tension, headaches, and other physical symptoms that can make it difficult to feel rested.
- Lack of control over work: When employees have little control over their work, they are more likely to experience fatigue. This is because they may feel like they are not in control of their own lives, which can lead to stress and burnout.
- Poor work environment: A poor work environment can also contribute to fatigue. This includes factors such as noise, heat, and poor lighting, which can make it difficult to concentrate and stay alert.
- Heavy workload: Having too much work to do can also lead to fatigue, as it can leave you feeling drained and unable to focus.
- Other cause:
- Excess or lack of work.
- Having multiple responsibilities, but not the authority or ability to make decisions.
- Being surrounded by superiors, peers, or subordinates who are uncooperative and unsupportive.
- Not having control over the result of the work or little satisfaction with the finished product.
- Being exposed to prejudice based on age, sex, race, ethnic origin or religion.
- Working in physically unpleasant or dangerous conditions.
Work fatigue symptoms
The symptoms caused by fatigue can be divided into the following categories:
- Physiological symptoms: Fatigue is interpreted as a decrease in the function of organs or the entire organism. Physiological reactions, such as increased heart rate or muscle electrical activity, may occur. Among the physiological symptoms of work fatigue, we distinguish a feeling of general fatigue, dizziness, dry mouth and throat, nausea, dyspnea, tachycardia, sweating, anxiety and stress, mood swings, loss of interest in work, compromised immune system and feeling of lack of control. and sleep disturbances.
- Behavioural symptoms: Fatigue presupposes a decrease in performance parameters. Examples include an increase in the number of errors when performing certain tasks or an increase in performance variability. Among the behavioural symptoms of work fatigue we distinguish decreased motivation and productivity, distractions, carelessness in personal hygiene, increased work absenteeism and passive-aggressive behaviours in workers.
What are the effects of fatigue?
We already know what the symptoms that continuous work fatigue causes are in the physical and mental health of workers. However, the symptoms of work fatigue are not only reflected in the professional and personal sphere of each worker.
If work fatigue spreads to a relevant percentage of a company’s workforce, the organization as a whole will end up experiencing very negative consequences derived from this accumulation of work fatigue. Below we explain what consequences the causes of generalized work fatigue can have in a company:
- Decreased work performance and productivity: Work fatigue can significantly decrease worker performance and productivity. Lack of energy and decreased concentration and motivation can lead to a decrease in the quality of work and the number of tasks completed. By negatively affecting the company’s ability to meet its objectives and goals, the company is at risk of having to face lost business opportunities and decreased revenue.
- Increased staff turnover: When workers are fatigued, they feel unmotivated, dissatisfied, and disengaged with their work, making them more likely to seek job opportunities elsewhere. Staff turnover can have a significant impact on company costs, as it implies the need to recruit, train and develop new employees.
- Bad work environment: Work fatigue can affect the work climate in a company, generating an environment of tension, demotivation and interpersonal conflicts. Workers who suffer from job fatigue are more likely to feel irritable, impatient, and short-lived. This creates problems of communication, collaboration and teamwork, which can negatively affect the efficiency and effectiveness of the company.
How can work fatigue be controlled in the workplace?
Work fatigue must be controlled before it becomes a major problem. Experts agree that there are two main ways to address it: personal and work. On the one hand, each person must seek personal ways to address the personal factors that may influence their work fatigue: stress, conciliation, and other people’s concerns… On the other, companies and organizations must also try to stifle it as:
- Achievements and goals met: The result of work is important, whether it is negative or positive. Many companies tend to receive good results without valuing the effort provided by the team to achieve them.
- Keep in touch: Above all, if you have established teleworking. Maintaining communication will make the team’s work fatigue less noticeable. It is normal to feel fatigued by the little (abnormal) social interaction in these cases, so it is recommended to hold regular videoconference meetings.
- Set realistic goals: Being realistic is essential so as not to cause work fatigue. Setting goals that are too high can lead to maximum stress or worry about not being able to meet them despite giving all possible effort. On the other hand, if the goals are achievable, the employees will stay motivated.
- Active breaks: The fact of eliminating the hours and travel time has led many people to feel more “pressured” and assume a greater workload. This directly influences work fatigue. For this reason, promoting active breaks allows not only to recharge energy but also to recover “freshness” and generate new ideas, directly impacting productivity.
Can stress at work cause fatigue?
Yes, stress at work can cause fatigue. When you are stressed, your body releases hormones that can disrupt your sleep, make it difficult to concentrate, and leave you feeling tired and run down. Stress can also lead to muscle tension, headaches, and other physical symptoms that can make it difficult to feel rested.
In addition, stress can make it difficult to relax and unwind after work, which can lead to a vicious cycle of fatigue and stress. If you are feeling fatigued, it is important to identify the source of your stress and find ways to manage it.
How do you identify stress and fatigue in the workplace?
By identifying stress and fatigue early, you can take steps to prevent it from becoming a serious problem. This will help to ensure the health and safety of your employees and the productivity of your workplace. There are several ways to identify stress and fatigue in the workplace. Some symptoms are:
- Physical symptoms: These can include headaches, muscle tension, stomach problems, and changes in sleeping patterns.
- Behavioural symptoms: These can include changes in mood, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and increased errors or accidents.
- Attitudinal symptoms: These can include decreased motivation, increased absenteeism, and complaints about the job.
It is important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other factors, such as medical conditions or personal problems. However, if you are experiencing a number of these symptoms, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor or employer to rule out stress and fatigue. Here are some specific things you can look for to identify stress and fatigue in the workplace:
- Increased absenteeism: Employees who are feeling stressed or fatigued may be more likely to call in sick or take unplanned days off.
- Increased accidents: Employees who are feeling stressed or fatigued may be more likely to make mistakes or have accidents.
- Changes in performance: Employees who are feeling stressed or fatigued may see a decline in their performance, such as making more mistakes or taking longer to complete tasks.
- Changes in attitude: Employees who are feeling stressed or fatigued may become more irritable, withdrawn, or negative.
- Changes in behaviour: Employees who are feeling stressed or fatigued may start to avoid social interactions or engage in risky behaviours.
If you notice any of these signs or symptoms in yourself or your employees, it is important to take steps to address the issue. This may involve talking to your doctor, employer, or therapist.
Conclusion of work-related stress and fatigue
Work-related stress and fatigue can have several negative consequences, including:
- Reduced productivity: When you’re stressed or fatigued, you’re less likely to be productive at work. This can lead to missed deadlines, errors, and accidents.
- Increased health problems: Stress and fatigue can increase your risk of developing health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, and depression.
- Lower job satisfaction: If you’re stressed or fatigued, you’re less likely to be satisfied with your job
There are several things you can do to manage work-related stress and fatigue, such as:
- Get enough sleep: Getting enough sleep is essential for managing stress and fatigue. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
- Eat a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet will give you the energy you need to cope with stress and fatigue. Exercise regularly: Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and fatigue
- Take breaks: When you’re feeling stressed or fatigued, it’s important to take breaks. Get up and move around, or take a few minutes to relax and clear your head.
- Learn to say no: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s important to learn to say no to new commitments. Seek professional help: If you’re struggling to manage stress and fatigue, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.
If you’re experiencing work-related stress and fatigue, it’s important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions. There are also several things you can do to manage work-related stress and fatigue, such as:
- Exercising regularly
- Practising relaxation techniques
- Avoiding caffeine and alcohol
- Managing your time effectively
- Seeking professional help if needed
By taking steps to manage work-related stress and fatigue, you can improve your overall health and well-being.
