I worked in a large company for six years. The first three years were okay, my performance was outstanding. But a little too good for my boss. In retrospect I can see she was very threatened by me. The point of no return occurred when she put her name on the patent for something I invented and I confronted her. She made my life was hell for the next three years. I developed severe neck problems and eventually had to go out on medical leave. I was too afraid to get another corporate job because I was afraid my neck couldn't handle that kind of tension again, so I have been drifting from start-ups to contract jobs ever since. Time to start my own business. I will not risk being in that position again.
Lynneof CA8:28AM March 01, 2009
Your article has oddly not included the importance of the social structure and shared control in the workplace. Some of the research in Britain made clear that dictatorial supervisory styles are physical poison for the people working under their oppression.
It was clear in the research that the healthiest, happiest workers were those who had control over a piece of the goals of the organization and who received appreciation of co-workers for their efforts. In those healthy organizations "supervisors" were essentially listeners who could identify and encourage successful initiatives among the employees. Ceding control of part of the venture to each worker benefited the organization and the physical and mental health of the individuals. Such control -- essential for every adult worker -- is possible and should be made an expectation in every organization.
Unfortunately, American workplaces, from skyscrapers to schoolhouses, abound with petty dictators who think their word should be law and shared responsibility saps their power. They flaunt their titles to make up for their lack of skill and particularly bully those with stellar skills and opinions "below" them for fear that the smart ones are usurpers-in-waiting. They abide and abet bullying among their staff if it secures their own position. They align themselves with the bullies who do their dirty work in keeping the competent from rising. These people do no believe in democracy or unions or anything that may threaten their claim of infallibility. Whistleblowers and people with differing ideas are severely punished.
Think Putin and the journalists. As yet, I haven't heard about murders of freethinkers, but who needs assassination when you can fatally attack workers' immune systems with undue stress?
KTof MA8:54AM February 28, 2009
I too have been a victim of work related stress and for many years I put it on my self, trying to do the best job I could, needing to feel self satisfaction of a job well done, insistant on performing above and beyond what was asked of me, only to see that a majority of my peers were doing what seemed to be just the opposite and being well compensated for it. My health was gradually deteriorating and I would blame it on aging, my doctor told me I needed to change my lifestyle, eat dinner earlier in the evening, take longer breaks at work, be more involved with my children's activities and functions. I thought it was all great advice, but not realistic when trying as hard as I could to provide for my family and do all the things a bread winner is supposed to do. Insurances,mortgage,auto,college and the basic living needs. I've always been able to meet the demands,but as of a month ago I found out for the first time in over twenty-five years how life,health and stress really affect you when you're LAID OFF. I've never gone downhill so fast and looking back on all the stress I used to have to deal with, I'd gladly have it all back. I truly believe that when I am once again employed that I will "not sweat the small stuff".
Joe Ferenoof NC7:45PM February 24, 2009
I agree with TN. I too experienced bullying by a co-worker on a regular basis. I also had reported it to management who said if they "talked to her, it might make it worse". Although other people in the office had experienced her nasty verbal comments at times, I had to sit at a desk facing this monster. Add to that, I worked at a financial services company where I had to deal with complaining clients all day long and my "bosses" were brokers (now they call them financial advisors). I was one of those people who had almost no control over my job. 3 months ago, I quit. Now, I sleep through the night, am happier, healthier and much more relaxed. We have less money to spend but it is worth it.
Enjoying the sunshineof MI10:27AM February 24, 2009
I have a very sick jealous co-worker that hs keyed my car for two tears now dented my car stolen hub caps etc. wants her best girlfriend in and me out when i have been there for yearss. yet swhe acts sp sweet to customers and my boss always doing him favors etc. I know for a fact i
JeanetteCappellanoof ID10:15AM February 24, 2009
One type of job stress that received little mention in this article is harrasement/bullying by co-workers.
I have been off from work now for nearly eight weeks to be treated for major depression that is directly linked to on the job bullying and harrasement. Think it's all in my head? Even my supervisor admits the situation exists but her reply when I asked her for help was, "Well, I'm afraid that anything I do will just make it worse."
That is when the feelings of hopelessness and despair really set in. In addition to the mental repercussions of such harrasement, the physical results have been obvious.
In just eight weeks by blood pressure has dropped from 148/98 to 100/70, my blood sugar has returned to normal and I am beginning to sleep through the night without medication.
The cost of this type of behavior results in not only lost productivity on the job but also enormous medical costs for counseling, anti-depressants and follow up doctor visits.
To those of you in similar situations, don't stay on the job even if the money is great, at the sacrifice of your health and sanity.
Employers, take note. Either handle these difficult employees or deal with the loss of dependable, experienced employees and see your health insurance premiums jump because of mental health claims.
My hope is that I can find another job at my age (56) that will allow me to put my years of experience to work without sacrificing my sanity.
No longer a victimof TN10:09AM February 22, 2009
People who are confident and secure in their lives, especially their work and financial lives, have less stress to erode their minds and bodies.
Good gig if you can get it, as they say.
The rest of us? Well, those guys in China and India are after our jobs. Used to be that in figure-skating, a double-rotation jump was enough. Now a triple is required to be competitive, and quads are the fare of the biggest stars. Worry rules in too many places.
Reader Comments
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marleyrobi of CA 12:02PM October 26, 2009
Rfevrgbr of VA 5:53AM July 14, 2009
Lynne of CA 8:28AM March 01, 2009
KT of MA 8:54AM February 28, 2009
Joe Fereno of NC 7:45PM February 24, 2009
Enjoying the sunshine of MI 10:27AM February 24, 2009
JeanetteCappellano of ID 10:15AM February 24, 2009
No longer a victim of TN 10:09AM February 22, 2009
Muser of NM 5:37PM February 20, 2009