Introduction
Work is one of the main sources of stress in adult life, and it affects both mental and physical health. This topic covers the psychological climate of a workplace, the models that explain work stress, and burnout as a syndrome of chronic occupational stress. Health-care workers are a particular focus, because their work combines high emotional demands, long hours and responsibility for other people's lives.
Work and health
Long-term work stress is linked to cardiovascular disease, depression, sleep disturbance, musculoskeletal pain and risky health behaviour. The effect depends not only on the amount of work but on how the work is organised and how much control and support the worker has.
Psychological climate
The psychological climate is the workers' shared perception of their work environment: how they experience the atmosphere, fairness, support and expectations. It is measured by perception, not by objective conditions. The main dimensions are:
- Relationships with colleagues and superiors, including social support.
- Role clarity and role conflict.
- Autonomy and participation in decisions.
- Fairness, recognition and reward.
A positive psychological climate protects against stress and burnout. A poor one, with unclear roles, blame and little support, increases them.