HAMPTON – Stress has been taking a toll on the workforce, especially recently. One nationwide survey showed burnout has risen more than 80 percent since the start of the covid- 19 pandemic more than three years ago. People are retiring, changing careers, and “quiet quitting,” which is dubbed as doing the bare minimum of one’s job requirements.
Glory Mbong-Ngwa is a nurse practitioner in adult psychiatry and behavioral health at Riverside Behavioral Health Center in Hampton. She has noticed an increase in workplace stress since the pandemic began and said it’s important first to understand the dynamics of workforce stress, which includes pain and physical exhaustion caused by job demands.
“It typically occurs when an individual feels overwhelmed, emotionally drained and unable to meet the demands of their work environment,” she said.
This can lead to irritability, restlessness and difficulty concentrating, and can affect other aspects of one’s life.
“Workplace stress can also make individuals lose interest in activities they usually enjoy,” she said, adding consistent low moods are another byproduct.
There are several steps people can take to ensure workplace stress doesn’t bleed over into their personal life, the first of which should be setting boundaries between work life and personal life, Mbong-Ngwa said.
“People can define specific work hours and avoid excessive overtime,” she said.
Other coping mechanisms are to prioritize time away from work, engage in self-care and hobbies, and spend quality time with loved ones. Participating in activities that promote relaxation, stress reduction, and overall well-being also are beneficial.
