Is stress at work really worth it? The answer might surprise you!
Stress and work.
We've all had days when we've asked the big question: is the stress of working our butts off, enduring demanding customers, tedious meetings, and mountains of data really worth it?
Work is stressful.
But there's a big difference between having a crappy day (or week), and having chronic Mondayitis.
When you start to ask yourself whether the stress you experience at work is worth it, chances are - it's not.
We all go to work for a reason. Despite our love of days off (who doesn't), work - or good work rather - has been scientifically proven to be good for health.
In addition to allowing you pay the bills, work brings with it a sense of purpose. It allows you to contribute, to fulfil a mission, and to work alongside other like minded individuals. But when work becomes ambiguous or overwhelming, when there's a mismatch between what you want to do and what you're actually doing, or when your psychological wellbeing is not safe at work - your health is at risk.
Employers have a legal obligation to provide a safe and healthy workplace. This includes having systems and supports in place to allow us to perform our roles safely and effectively. Bullying, harrassment, task overload, micromanaging, role ambiquity - these are all a big no no and should not be tolerated at any time. If you feel this is happening to you, report it immediately. Speak up and speak out. You have the right to work in a safe workplace and to be heard if you feel there's a risk associated with the work that you do.
What's often not spoken about is that we also have an obligation to reflect upon whether our current job is right for us.
We've all had jobs we can't stand, and we've usually worked them to pay bills that otherwise don't go away. Ultimately, the level of stress one is willing to tolerate at work is a personal decision and depends on various factors, including financial needs, career goals, personal values, and health considerations.
On a personal level, whether stress at work is 'worth it' depends on a variety of factors. Positive elements may include:
- Growth and development: a little stress can help you to learn new skills and grow professionally and personally;
- Motivation: the use of challenges and deadlines can motivate some individuals to perform well; and
- Financial stability: working hard may lead to monetary bonuses and enhanced financial wellbeing.
On the flip side, negative aspects of stress include:
- Adverse health outcomes: chronic stress increases the risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, auto-immunity, anxiety and depression;
- Reduced job satisfaction: the job that you once loved can quickly become a source of pain and suffering; and
- Reduced work-life balance: greater energy spent worrying about work can negatively impact your personal well-being, relationships and overall happiness.
Nothing is worth the loss of health, so you need to seriously weigh up the pros and cons of stress (where you experience stress in the absence of an OHS issue), and you need to do so relatively quickly.
Balancing the demands of work with self-care is essential to make an informed decision about whether the stress at work is worth it for your unique circumstances.
It's important to manage and reduce stress when you feel it becomes overwhelming or detrimental to your well-being. This might include speaking up, seeking support, setting boundaries, and considering changes in your work environment or career path if necessary. It's also a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional if you're uncertain.
We all trade time and energy for money - but you have to decide whether or not the work that you do - is it contributing to your health, or slowly taking it away. Sometimes, only you can decide.
