Work-related stress is a growing problem around the globe. It is more common in developing countries. Prolonged stress leads to a lack of productivity and other psychological and social problems.
Around 75% of Pakistanis especially youngsters experience a lack of interest in their work due to stress. It is also one of the reasons Pakistan saw a surge in migration to other nations.
About 225,000 individuals left the country in 2022 which is about 3 times that of 2021. One of the main causes of work-related stress is the ongoing inflation and instability of the country which accelerated the ratio of stress in the workplace.
Long working hours, an unsafe environment and low wages are the most common causes of work-related stress in Pakistan.
Stress occurs in a wide range of work circumstances but is often made worse when employees feel they have little support from supervisors and colleagues, as well as little control over work processes. There is often confusion between pressure or challenge and stress, and sometimes this is used to excuse bad management practices.
For the already unstable country employees must be given more opportunities and relaxation so that they can be productive and happy. Some of the ways to manage work-related stress would be to reduce working hours, fair wages, hire trained workers and introduce stress-managing policies.
Contributed by Soha Saeed, a student and freelance writer