There are a number of elements that can be quantified and used as
approximate measures of stress levels. These elements vary according to whether
stress is being measured in an individual, in an organization, or in society
itself.
Looking at statistics
One of the most useful sources of information on the level of stress
in society is national statistics – for example, the annual rate of
heart attacks and suicides. Changes over a period of time in these statistics
are particularly significant, since they highlight trends. An increase in heart
attacks or suicides usually reflects a major social cause of stress in a
country, such as widespread unemployment or economic catastrophe.
Measuring stress in individuals
Although stress in individuals can be measured to some extent by
things like heart rate and the level of adrenaline production, it has more to
do with how far “out of sync” an individual is with their usual
physical condition. Since everyone has a different heart rate or blood
pressure, there is no average statistic to indicate personal stress. Also,
different people respond differently to stress. In some, stress can manifest
itself in panic attacks, headaches, or stomach problems. Others may suffer a
lack of sleep or a loss of self-esteem. There are also thought to be different
responses for men and women. Whereas women may become withdrawn or depressed,
men are more likely to become aggressive, irritable, or develop addictions.
Stress statistics
The following statistics attest to some of the effects of stress:
Stress-related problems are thought to cause half of all
premature deaths in the US.
In the EC, some 10 million people suffer from work-related
illness each year.
In Norway, work-related sickness costs 10 per cent of the Gross
National Product.
In the UK, 180 million work days per year are lost through
stress in the workplace
Measuring stress in organizations
Companies and other types of organization have certain widely
recognized quantitative measures of the level of stress, the most popular of
which is the absenteeism figure. This is the percentage of staff absent from
work on any one day. However, you cannot deduce that the company with the
highest rate of absenteeism is necessarily the most stressed; certain
industries are more prone to absenteeism, through injury for example. In fact,
many companies suffer from “presenteeism”, the presence of
disaffected or exhausted workers of no more benefit to the company than
absentees. Increasingly, those suffering from stress choose to go to work
rather than stay at home.
Table Measuring stress levels
| Type of Stress | Elements That Can Be Measured |
|---|
|
Societal StressThis is visible in society as a whole, manifesting itself with a decline in general behaviour. |
Unexpected changes in crime figures. Unemployment figures, with special regard to inner-city areas in which unemployment may be endemic. Educational results, especially in schools in poor rural and run-down inner-city areas. Levels of emigration and immigration.
|
|
Personal StressThis causes individuals to suffer a lack of both control and ability to function on a reasonable level. |
Persistent insomnia. Rashes, cramps, headaches, or other physical symptoms of unknown origin. Changes in eating patterns. Marked rise in a personal level of cigarette, alcohol, and drug consumption.
|
|
Organizational StressThis affects the general morale of an organization, resulting in both financial and personnel problems. |
Unexpected changes in levels of absenteeism among employees. Quality of production within the organization, with the emphasis on apparent decline. Number of work-related accidents. Number of work-related health complaints.
|
TIP
Ask yourself if other people find you stressful to work with.
TIP
Keep a diary of the days that you feel highly stressed.
TIP
Treat yourself to something you want but would not normally buy.
TIP
Make sure your desk is as near a window as possible.
