Psychology at Work

JOB BURNOUT - CATCH IT IF YOU CAN
As if from one day, or one minute, to the next, Joe Doe, the affable if a little highly-strung office buddy, disappears from work—and the rumours start. Not a heart attack. A nervous breakdown? No way. "I saw it coming, though", some mutter, and they probably did. Indeed, over time, many would pick up, albeit unconsciously, where Joe was heading—even why. Much has been written about stress and the challenge of achieving "life balance". But what are the warning signs that indicate imbalances which may, if left untreated, lead to job burnout or worse—emotional breakdown? Read on for some practical guidelines.

STRESS IN THE WORKPLACE
"Stress can generally be defined as a psychological and physiological reaction to some form of pressure being applied to the individual. Individuals convert pressure into stress according to their perceptions and personality."