Stress At Work

woman praying
Type: Vocabulary
Originally published on October 5, 2020 and last updated on July 16, 2023

For English learners, understanding the topic of stress at work holds immense value as it not only enhances their language skills but also equips them with vital knowledge for navigating professional environments. Exploring stress at work allows learners to expand their vocabulary related to workplace dynamics, identify common stressors and grasp the language used to discuss mental health and well-being.

Furthermore, by delving into strategies to manage stress at work, English learners can acquire practical language tools that will empower them to communicate their needs effectively, promote self-care and foster healthy work-life balance.

Instructions:
Go through the vocabulary below with your students and ask them to try and use this vocabaulry where possible when discussing the different conversation questions.

About Stress At Work

In today’s fast-paced and demanding work environments, stress at work has become a prevalent and concerning issue. Stress at work refers to the physical, emotional and mental strain experienced by individuals in their professional settings. It can arise from factors such as excessive workload, long working hours, lack of job security, interpersonal conflicts and poor work-life balance.

The impact of work-related stress can be significant, leading to decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, burnout and various health problems. Recognising and managing stress at work is crucial for fostering a healthy and productive workforce, promoting employee well-being, and achieving organisational success.

Useful Vocabulary

Try and use the following vocabulary when answering the question. Click to look up the definition in the dictionary

  • workplace (noun)
  • society (noun)
  • destress (verb)
  • personally (adverb)
  • recognise (verb)
  • dangerous (adjective)
  • manage (verb)

Conversation Questions

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  • What are the best ways to cope with the stress of work?
  • Have you ever experienced stress at work? What were the main causes of your stress?
  • Do you think stress is a big problem in today’s society?
  • How dangerous do you think high-stress levels are?
  • What are some common signs or symptoms of stress at work?
  • How can individuals recognise when they are feeling overwhelmed or stressed?
  • What things do you think people should do to try and reduce stress?
  • What do you think would personally help you to destress?
  • In your opinion, what are some effective ways that employers can support their employees in managing stress at work?
  • Should employers be legally obligated to provide stress management programs or resources for their employees?
  • Is work-related stress primarily the responsibility of the individual or the organisation?
  • How does stress at work affect overall job performance and productivity?
Gregory
This conversation topic was prepared by Gregory

Gregory is a qualified TEFL teacher who has been teaching English as a Foreign Language (ESL) for over a decade. He has taught in-person classes in Spain and to English learners around the world online.