Is stress from work or school making you sick? If so, you may belong to a growing number of people suffering from serious stress. Experts have called the problem the "Black Death of the 21st century." The original Black Death is estimated (据估计) to have killed 25 million people in Europe in the 14th century. While no one expects stress to be quite that deadly, it is still a serious matter.
A recent study has shown that stress can affect our ability to go to work. Stress is now the number one reason workers stay home sick four continuous (不间断) weeks or more.
What has led to the growing stress felt in the workplace? The bad economic situation is a major reason. Record numbers of layoffs (裁员) have increased workers' worry about losing their jobs. Layoffs have also increased the amount of work workers are expected to do. People then work longer hours, which often creates problems for them at home, causing even more stress.
According to Professor Cary Cooper, writer of over 120 books, stress often leads to changes in manner of acting. You may notice that you're having a hard time centering around things. You may find yourself losing your temper (脾气) easily. You might even seem to have lost your sense of humor. Other stress-related problems include difficulty in sleeping, overeating or drinking in excess.
Stress must be managed by workers themselves and by the company. Workers can take steps to manage stress. They can create a suitable plan and have breaks from time to time. Bosses can help by showing workers that their opinions may be important. They can also allow workers to have some say in decisions that matter their jobs.
Everyone should work together to look for ways to cope with on-the-job stress.
