The relationship between an individual’s psychological well-being and their health is one that is often discussed and reviewed by both employers and employees alike. An employee’s well-being is of utmost importance to any employer and should be taken into consideration every step of the employment process. Balancing the demands of the job, especially in a high-stressed position, can wreak havoc on an individual’s well-being, as well as their ways of thinking and acting.
Researchers have discovered that biological, environmental, mental and even psychological factors can all come together to cause problems with an individual’s health, safety and their well-being. If a working condition is favorable to a worker, that worker is able to grow within the job, both physically, mentally and psychologically. If the conditions are unfavorable, then the worker’s health and well-being may be at risk.
Some of the poor lifestyle choices that are detrimental to a person’s health are an inadequate amount of sleep, poor eating habits, stress on the job that may lead to bigger problems and possible health risks. For an individual to function properly, they need at least eight hours of sleep. Lack of sleep can contribute to psychological issues, such as poor concentration, irritability, poor communication, an increased amount of mistakes and physical problems with pain and discomfort. All of these can result in a loss of productive time and effort in the workplace and ultimately, a loss of income (Cynkar, 2007).
Other lifestyle choices that can affect health and psychology in the workplace are an individual’s workload, financial troubles, or conflict with other workers, unrealistic expectations from employers and supervisors and relationship issues. If the workload is too large, then the worker will be required to work overtime, weekends and extra hours, thereby neglecting other important matters.
If they are inadequately compensated, that can cause a real problem, psychologically as well. Conflicts are endemic to workplaces as different personalities come together, but the unsuccessful resolving of such conflicts can add to the psychological problems that the individual faces. Unrealistic expectations from superiors can cause the employee to have a lot of stress and so too, will problems in their relationship, if it is not managed properly.
These problems can be manifested physically, or psychologically, depending on the nature of the problem. Employees are humans, and as such, they will deal with problems in different ways. Researchers are of the opinion that almost every situation can cause stress and employees can risk both physical and mental problems from stress. To eliminate the possibility of having psychological problems, employees and enhance their health and prevent illnesses, careful monitoring of the employees situation would have to ensue.
The employee could create a plan of action that included the situations that trigger the stress and ways in which they can eliminate, or minimize it. Ensuring that they eat properly, exercise and get an adequate amount of sleep should also be a part of the plan. Delegating work in the case of the overworked is imperative and living within one’s means and sticking to a budget can help with inadequate compensation.
Trying to maintain a healthy balance between home, work and other commitments can be a task. Avoiding stressful situations can be difficult in the workplace, but trying to eliminate some of these stressors can cure some of these psychological and health issues.
References
Cynkar, A. (2007). Whole workplace health. Monitor On Psychology, 38(3), 28. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/monitor/mar07/whole.aspx
