Study highlights impact of stress on work performance

A Canadian study has highlighted the impact of stress in the workplace.

Making use of data published in the 2002 Canadian Community Health Survey, the new study has identified a direct relationship between work-related stress and productivity, both over the current and long-term.

The study, which also made use of data from the National Population Health Survey, has been published in Perspectives on Labour and Income, reports Canadian Transportation and Logistics.

"Pressure is part and parcel of all work and helps to keep us motivated," said the UK's Health and Safety Executive.

"But excessive pressure can lead to stress, which undermines performance, is costly to employers and can make people ill," it added.

The study identified the impact of stress in terms of absence from work, "disability days" and reduced productivity levels.

A number of techniques can be used to help manage the effects of stress, including autogenic training and exercise.

Find out more about Stress.