Different Types of Workplace Strain

Running head: Workplace Strains 1
Different types of workplace strain
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Workplace Strains 2
Different Types of Workplace Strain
Introduction
The employees form an integral part of an organization. It is important for the managers
and other leaders in the organization to put in place and observe the right policies which ensure
the health and safety of the workers. Occupational health and safety therefore remains a crucial
element especially in the internal environment of an organization since it has a direct link with
the level of output as exhibited by employees. At the same time, a healthy and safe work
environment enhances motivation among employees which in turn encourages them to give their
best towards the organizational goals and objectives. In a bid to ensure the best working
environment for employees it would be important to identify the various types of work place
strains. Consequently, this essay highlights the different types of strains experienced by
employees and managers in the place of work. Additionally, the discussion shall comprise an
outline of some of the mitigation strategies which can be implemented in order to minimize the
strains and hence give room for a safe and healthy work environment.
Workplace strains
Communication
One of the core challenges especially in a work environment which is characterized by
diversity is the aspect of communication. Diversity in a place of work may include individuals
from various cultural backgrounds working in the same company. In such cases, the employees
may find it hard communication with each other especially when there is lack of a common
language. Strains in communication as a result of language barrier is mostly experienced by
employees working in international companies hence are deployed in remote areas where the
basic means of communication is through the use of local dialect. Language barrier hinders the
effective flow of information between the various organs within the organization. The contents
and the message are likely to be distorted especially when the recipients fail to receive the
message precisely. Poor communication also comes with other challenges for instances, it slows
down the speed of decision making. This also hinders the speedy flow of other processes within
the organization.

Workplace Strains 3
As a mitigation strategy, the organization may choose to invest on training of employees
in line with the aspects of communication. This strategy may involve taking the employees
through periodic programs of exposure in which they learn more on communication skills and
the alternative approaches that can be used to make communication effective despite the
challenge of cultural diversity. At the same time, the organization may choose to include a policy
in the recruitment process which specifically gives an upper hand to job seekers who are
proficient in at least more than one language. This would lead to the development of a work
environment where employees and the leaders are able to communicate effectively with one
another. Proper communication equally leads to a better flow in other processes for instance
decision making and the overall understanding of the organizational goals and objectives.
Furthermore, effective communication minimizes the errors which may be made by workers in
the process of executing their duties which in turn improves the quality of the output. Improved
output works to the advantage of the organization while generally enhancing confidence and
motivation among the employees.
Unhealthy relationships
Interaction between different individuals at the place of work is inevitable. While some of
these interactions are always productive and informative, others may come with a sour taste
hence impacting unity which is a crucial element within the organization. Relationships may be
between the leaders and the employees and also among the employees. Depending on the
leadership approach embraced by the managers, the workers may either feel out of place or
important to the organization. In cases where the managers are aggressive and use an
authoritative approach, the workers are less likely to feel comfortable in such surroundings.
Aggressive leadership mainly sees the employees as a source of labor and not necessarily as
integral components who can also aid with innovative ideas during the process of decision
making. In such work environments, the workers tend to create a negative attitude towards the
leaders which in turn affects their commitment to the overall vision of the organization. On the
other hand, a leader who consistently involves the workers in important decision making
processes does a lot in enhancing their levels of motivation and confidence. The workers feel
needed and this encourages them to give their best hence improving the productivity.