ABSTRACT
336The beginning of the 21st century has brought a sea of change to the global economy. The digital revolution has turned traditional method of working on its head. The advent of computers and the internet has metamorphosed work processes and work timings and is continuously challenging existing set ups. The increased use of technology and digitalization in the workplace has led to better productivity, improved services, and lesser costs egging companies to further increase their machine power over manpower. This has led to huge job losses and increased job insecurity. It has also blurred the boundaries between home and work with employees often unofficially working round the clock. The consequence has been the creation of one of the most alarming lifestyle risk factors that the global work force suffers from today—Work Stress. WHO defines work stress as the response people may have when presented with work demands and pressures that are not matched to their knowledge and abilities and which challenge their ability to cope. The stress is often compounded by poor work organization, lack of support and control, and ambiguity in job responsibilities.
This chapter explores the major causes of work-related stress across the globe. A comparative study of work stress levels in different continents show the influence of culture, government policies, economy etc. The study gives an insight as to why stress levels are different in different countries for the same or similar types of jobs. An insight approach is analyzed to how employees handle the stress and manage work life balance for making workplace better and satisfying.
