Reducing Occupational Stress Report

Running head: REDUCING OCCUPATIONAL STRESS
Innovation to reduce occupational stress
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
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REDUCING OCCUPATIONAL STRESS1
Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................2
Discussion..................................................................................................................................2
Occupational stress.................................................................................................................2
Techniques to identify innovation..........................................................................................3
Proposed innovation...............................................................................................................4
Implementing the innovation.................................................................................................4
Resolving the chief barriers...................................................................................................6
Conclusion..................................................................................................................................8
References..................................................................................................................................9

REDUCING OCCUPATIONAL STRESS2
Introduction
Occupational stress is the most widespread challenge faced by the 14 million
workforces of South Africa. Increased complexity and load of work heightened by over-
reliance on digital technologies have led to significant stress and related problems in the
country. Chief consequences of occupational stress are cognitive fatigue and information
overload. Prolonged subjection to these consequences results in a decline in job performance
and increasing perceptual distractions. Recently, occupational stress has become a recognised
issue globally but is yet to cover all sectors of employment. Several organisations have
realised the concern and adopted measures to ease the workload. Existing interventions
include mandatory leaves, breaks during work hours, stress-relief activities at work such as
fun games and unlimited caffeinated beverages. These interventions have proved successful
to a considerable extent. However, improved strategies are under research to address this
global concern. This paper discusses occupational stress as a significant health challenge
faced in South Africa, innovation in the traditional stress management interventions and
discusses the possible benefits and barriers faced on implementing the proposed strategy.
Discussion
Occupational stress
Occupational stress is a type of psychological condition caused by workplace pressure
such as work roles, responsibilities, culture and environment (Khamisa et al., 2015).
Cognitive fatigue and information anxiety are two direct implications of this type of stress.
Cognitive fatigue is specific tiredness experienced when excessive work needs to be
completed within a short deadline (Chirico, 2016). Information overload also called
infoxication, refers to unreasonable exposure to information leading to anxiety and difficulty

REDUCING OCCUPATIONAL STRESS3
in the correct comprehension of the data provided (Naidoo et al., 2014). According to the
World Health Organisation (WHO), a healthy workplace refers to one where the workload on
the employee fits their expertise and available resources and to a controlled amount. As being
healthy refers to both physical and mental well-being, a healthy workplace not only refers to
a lack of hazards but also ones that enhance individual health. Adverse effects may also
accompany occupational stress on the body such as depression, anxiety disorders, imbalances
in metabolism, muscular and cardiovascular issues (Steyn, & Vawda, 2014). Common
behavioural signs include absent-mindedness, social withdrawal, confusion and irritation.
Other consequences of this stress include sleep deprivation, mood disorders and emotional
collapse. There is a strong inverse correlation between the degree of stress and work
performance (Carpenter et al., 2015). As increasing stress affects job performance, it is
harmful to both the employees as well as the organisation. Lowered performance, continued
absenteeism and frequent errors from the employees’end directly impact the overall growth
of the organisation. Despite being a widespread concern globally, occupational stress is
recognized to a small extent in South Africa. Comparatively, very few are available for
reliable screening and testing instruments, analyses of the prevalence of occupational stress
and organisational stress management interventions.
Techniques to identify innovation
There are several techniques and tools for more creative innovation ideas. These
techniques have different dimensions depending on the purpose of innovation. The various
useful tools include ecosystem economy modelling tool, design burst, GOES ideation session,
concept effect mapping tool and storyboarding. Ecosystem economy modelling tool enables
effective decision making by incorporating the dynamic interactions prevalent within the
business ecosystem. Storyboarding involves envisioning the future of the organisation
realising the cause for innovation (Walker et al., 2015). The GOES ideation is based on a