Updated on September 30, 2024
In today’s fast-paced professional environment, work pressure has become a common experience for many employees, particularly those working in multinational companies (MNCs). As organizations strive for efficiency and profitability, employees often face long hours, tight deadlines, and high expectations, leading to stress and burnout. Understanding the causes and impact of work pressure is essential, not only for employees but also for employers, who play a critical role in fostering a healthy work environment.
What Is Work Pressure?
Work pressure refers to the stress and demands placed on employees to meet job expectations within specific deadlines. It can arise from high workloads, constant multitasking, and the need to consistently meet performance metrics. While a moderate amount of pressure can be motivating, prolonged or excessive pressure can negatively affect employee well-being, leading to fatigue, decreased job satisfaction, and poor work-life balance.
Causes Of Work Pressure
- High Workload
Overloading employees with tasks is one of the primary causes of work pressure. When individuals are expected to handle more than they can reasonably manage, the quality of their work often suffers, and stress levels increase. - Unrealistic Deadlines
Employees frequently face tight, sometimes unrealistic deadlines that force them to work at a hurried pace. This constant race against time can lead to poor focus and increased anxiety about completing tasks on time. - Long Working Hours
Many employees, particularly those in MNCs, work long hours, often late into the night or on weekends. Global operations, time zone differences, and the need to be available 24/7 contribute to extended working hours, leading to sleep deprivation and exhaustion. - Time Zone Challenges In MNCs
Time zone differences in multinational companies add another layer of pressure. Employees may be required to coordinate with teams in different countries, meaning they need to attend late-night or early-morning meetings. This lack of synchrony can disrupt personal routines and contribute to fatigue. - High Expectations And Performance Pressure
The need to meet high performance standards and exceed business targets often leaves employees feeling overwhelmed. This continuous push for better results can lead to chronic stress, especially when employees feel they are being evaluated solely on productivity without consideration for their well-being.
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Problems Associated With Work Pressure
If unmanaged, work pressure can lead to several serious consequences for employees:
- Burnout: Constant stress from overwhelming workloads can result in burnout, which reduces both productivity and emotional well-being. Burnout manifests as physical and mental exhaustion, a lack of motivation, and feelings of helplessness.
- Sleep Deprivation: Many employees who work late into the night, especially those in MNCs dealing with time zone differences, experience sleep deprivation. Without proper rest, cognitive functions like memory, decision-making, and concentration suffer.
- Decreased Job Satisfaction: Prolonged work pressure often leads to disengagement, as employees lose enthusiasm for their roles. When they feel undervalued or overworked, job satisfaction decreases, leading to higher turnover rates.
- Health Issues: Stress from work pressure contributes to both physical and mental health problems, such as headaches, digestive issues, anxiety, and even heart-related conditions. When employees don’t have time to focus on self-care, their overall well-being deteriorates.
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How To Deal With Work Pressure?
While work pressure is inevitable in certain industries, both employees and employers can take steps to manage it more effectively:
- Prioritization And Time Management
Employees should focus on prioritizing their tasks based on importance and deadlines. Time management techniques, such as the Pomodoro Technique or Eisenhower Matrix, can help break down tasks into manageable steps and reduce feelings of overwhelm. - Effective Communication
Open communication between employees and supervisors is crucial. Employees should feel comfortable discussing their workload and deadlines. If they’re feeling overwhelmed, they should request adjustments, whether that means extending deadlines or delegating tasks. - Setting Boundaries
In MNCs, especially, it’s important to establish boundaries between work and personal life. Employees should avoid the temptation to respond to emails or attend meetings outside of regular working hours. Regular breaks and downtime are essential to maintaining productivity and mental clarity. - Stress Management Techniques
Employees should incorporate relaxation techniques into their daily routine, such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or physical activity, to counterbalance work-related stress. Taking regular breaks can help refresh the mind and increase productivity. - Adequate Sleep And Rest
Sleep is essential for mental and physical well-being. Employees should set clear boundaries around work hours, particularly in industries that demand late hours. Avoiding screens before bedtime and creating a calming sleep routine will help ensure a good night’s rest. - Seek Support
In cases of excessive work pressure, employees should not hesitate to reach out for support from HR or employee assistance programs (EAPs). Many companies offer counseling services or stress management resources. - Workplace Flexibility
Employees can request flexible work hours or remote work options to accommodate time zone differences. Employers should support this to help balance employee workloads and reduce the pressure of being constantly available.
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How To Deal With High Pressure Situations At Work
In general, planning ahead of time and establishing communication norms with the people who stress you out will increase the familiarity and predictability of your interactions, and decrease the stress and anxiety you feel around them. This is true even for stressful situations that not revolving around specific people, like public speaking or job interviews. The more predictable you can make the situation, the less stressed you will feel. Credits: Â Harvard Business Review
Suggestions For Employers
While it’s important for businesses to remain competitive and profitable, it’s equally crucial for employers to recognize the importance of employee well-being. Pressuring employees to deliver more with fewer resources not only leads to exhaustion and high turnover but also negatively impacts overall productivity. Here are some key strategies employers can adopt to reduce work pressure and foster a healthier workplace:
- Invest In Adequate Staffing
Rather than overburdening a few employees, employers should hire the necessary staff to spread out workloads evenly. Investing in the right number of employees ensures tasks are handled efficiently without overwhelming individuals. - Encourage Work-Life Balance
Employers should actively promote a healthy work-life balance by setting reasonable expectations for work hours and discouraging the culture of working late nights or weekends. Offering flexible hours or remote work options can help employees manage time zone differences and family responsibilities. - Provide Mental Health Support
Employers should make mental health resources accessible, such as counseling services or stress management workshops. Creating a culture where employees feel comfortable discussing stress or burnout can lead to early intervention and better overall well-being. - Recognize and Reward Efforts
Acknowledging employees’ hard work and achievements goes a long way in reducing work pressure. Regular feedback, recognition programs, and bonuses can motivate employees without increasing stress. - Create a Supportive Work Environment
A positive work environment where employees feel supported and heard can alleviate a lot of workplace stress. Managers should foster open communication, provide guidance when needed, and ensure employees feel valued for their contributions. - Lead by Example
Leadership should set an example by prioritizing their own work-life balance and encouraging employees to take breaks and time off. When leaders demonstrate that health and well-being are a priority, it creates a culture where employees feel comfortable doing the same.
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Pune-Based CA’s Death Raises Concerns Over Work Stress At EY
Anna Sebastian Perayil, a 26-year-old Chartered Accountant from Pune, tragically passed away after four months of working at Ernst & Young (EY), with her mother citing “backbreaking workload” and “work stress” as key factors. Anna’s mother, Anita Augustine, wrote to EY India Chairman Rajiv Memani, calling her daughter’s death a “wake-up call” for the company to prioritize employee well-being.
Ms. Augustine described how the demands of Anna’s job led to anxiety, sleeplessness, and physical exhaustion. Despite health concerns, Anna continued to work long hours, believing in the value of perseverance. Anna, originally from Kochi, became a CA in November 2023 and joined EY Pune in March 2024. She passed away on July 20, with the exact cause of death still unclear.
Final Thoughts
Work pressure is an unavoidable part of modern workplaces, particularly in MNCs where global operations and time zone differences create additional challenges. However, by recognizing the causes of work pressure and its impact on employee health, both employees and employers can take proactive steps to manage it. For employees, prioritizing tasks, setting boundaries, and incorporating stress-relief techniques can help reduce the burden. Employers, on the other hand, must focus on providing a supportive environment, hiring adequate staff, and promoting work-life balance. Ultimately, valuing employee well-being over short-term business gains results in a more productive and sustainable workforce, benefiting both the company and its employees in the long run.
How are you managing work pressure in your daily routine, and what changes could improve your work-life balance?
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References: The Hindu
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Mathukutty P. V. is the founder of Simply Life Tips. He is a Blogger, Content Writer, Influencer, and YouTuber. He is passionate about learning new skills. He is the Director of PokketCFO.
He lives with the notion of “SIMPLE LIVING, CREATIVE THINKING”. He Believes – “Sharing is caring.” and “Learning never ends.”
