Health Concerns of Workers: A Psycho-Analytical Perspective
Mohd Ishaq Shah ✉
Human beings are a blend of biological and psychological instincts, which significantly influence the interactions between employees and employers within any organization or department. Human behaviour tends to gravitate towards abstract notions of inferiority and superiority complexes.
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Employees fall into two categories: those in positions of authority and those in subordinate roles. The former often exhibit tendencies towards superiority, while the latter lean towards feelings of inferiority. However, some individuals strike a balance and successfully navigate their roles within an organization, holding key positions across various departments and institutions. Conversely, a significant number struggle to overcome the challenges inherent in their workplace environments.
Central to this issue is the stress experienced by employees as they strive to meet organizational expectations while balancing their psycho-biological needs. This juggling act proves particularly challenging for average-level workers, leading to a scenario where the individual inadvertently succumbs to a metaphorical poison that drains the vibrancy from their life, leaving it monotonous and unfulfilling. A survey report from SOH - Occupational Safety and Health at Work serves as a pertinent reference in this context.
“Psycho-social risks and resulting
consequences for mental and physical health are among the most challenging
issues in occupational safety and health (OSH). Besides their detrimental
effect on individual health, psycho-social risks can also negatively impact the
efficiency of organizations as well as national economies.
Stress, anxiety and depression make up the second most common
work-related health problem affecting European workers. Raising mental health
aspects and mentioning challenges in the workplace are still attached to the
fear of stigma. Nevertheless, the proportion of workers who report facing risk
factors that can adversely affect their mental health is nearly 45%. However,
when viewed as an organizational issue rather than an individual fault, psycho-social
risks can be tackled in the same structured and organized way as other OSH
risks.
Psycho-social risks arise from poor work design, organization, and
management, as well as from poor social context of work, and they may result in
negative psychological, physical and social outcomes. Some examples of working
conditions leading to psychosocial risks are:
- excessive
workloads;
- conflicting
demands and lack of role clarity;
- lack of
involvement in making decisions that affect the worker;
- lack of
influence over the way the job is done;
- poorly
managed organizational change;
- job
insecurity;
- ineffective
communication;
- lack of
support from management or colleagues;
- psychological
and sexual harassment; and
- Difficult
customers, patients, pupils, etc.
When considering the job demands, it is important not to confuse psycho-social risk factors such as excessive workload with conditions where, although
work tasks are stimulating and sometimes challenging, there is a supportive
work environment in which workers have enough autonomy and they are well-trained and motivated to perform to the best of their ability. A good psycho-social
environment enhances good performance and personal development as well as
workers’ mental and physical well-being.
Workers experience stress when the overall demands of their jobs are
excessive and greater than their capacity to cope with them. In addition to
associated mental health problems such as burnout, anxiety, depression and even
suicidal intentions, workers suffering from prolonged stress can go on to
develop serious physical health problems such as cardiovascular disease or
musculoskeletal disorders.
For the organization, the negative effects include poor overall business
performance, increased absenteeism and presenteeism (workers turning up for
work when sick and unable to function effectively), and higher turnover as well
as increased accident and injury rates. Absences related to mental health tend
to be longer than those arising from other causes and work-related risk factors
are an important element contributing to increased rates of early retirement.
Estimates of the cost to businesses and society are significant and run into
billions of euros at a national level.” –OSH
Globally, 80% of individuals earn their livelihood through public or private sector employment, and manual labour for landlords, or firms, it is crucial to address how workers can navigate mental stress and excel in their roles. Jack Finney, an American short story writer, offers profound insights into human psychological dynamics in his renowned work "Third Level." The protagonist, Charley, stumbles upon a third level at Grand Central Station in New York City while rushing home and inadvertently travels back to 1894. In a bid to purchase tickets for Illinois, New York-USA, he faces a bewildering encounter when the clerk rejects his currency, accusing him of deception.
Initially dismissed by his friend and psychiatrist Sam as mere daydreaming, it later emerges that Sam himself has experienced the third level. Symbolically representing a stream of consciousness, the third level serves as a metaphor for mental exploration. Finney suggests engaging in hobbies like stamp collecting, gardening, and tending to flowers as avenues to channel mental energy. This practice becomes especially pertinent in today's world rife with conflict, anxiety, fear, and stress.
I would like to present some practical suggestions: Employees should have a clear understanding of their job responsibilities and familiarize themselves with the organization they are part of. It is essential to recognize their specific role within the system and focus solely on fulfilling it without overstepping boundaries. Engaging in indoor games during leisure time, incorporating activities like morning or evening walks, and immersing themselves in reading materials such as novels, science fiction, detective stories, and health-related literature can be beneficial for employees.
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