Stress can be caused by work-related matters or personal matters, or both. In all cases stress can adversely affect the health of individuals, which in turn can impact on organisations.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) formally defines work-related stress as:
The adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demand placed on them at work.
Stress can be caused by too many demands being placed on an individual in relation to their capabilities. In such cases individuals can feel out of control and can suffer stress.
