Workplace Stress: How It Differs Across Genders, And Gender-sensitive Strategies

workplace stress

Did you know that workplace stress affects men and women differently? It has been found that while men often experience anger and frustration in the face of stress, women are more likely to feel overwhelmed and anxious. This is just one example of how gender-sensitive strategies can be extremely important in the fight against workplace stress. In this blog post, we will explore the different types of workplace stress, how they vary across genders and suggest some gender-sensitive strategies that HR leaders can employ to help their employees.

Understanding Workplace Stress

workplace stress

Workplace stress is a type of stress that is experienced by employees in the workplace. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including job insecurity, long hours, unrealistic deadlines, and demanding bosses. Workplace stress can lead to several negative outcomes. Such as absenteeism, decreased productivity, low morale, job dissatisfaction, high turnover, and even depression. However, stress can differ across genders. For example:

  • Men are more likely to experience anger and frustration in the face of stress,
  • While women are more likely to feel overwhelmed and anxious.

This is just one example of how workplace stress can vary across genders.

Degrees In Workplace Stress

There are three degrees of workplace stress: mild, moderate, and severe.

  • Mild workplace stress is the type of stress that is experienced regularly but does not interfere with an individual’s ability to function.
  • Moderate workplace stress is more serious and can cause some difficulty in functioning.
  • Severe workplace stress is the most serious type of workplace stress and can cause major disruptions in an individual’s life.

Types of Workplace Stress

There are four types of workplace stress: physical, mental, emotional, and social.

  • Physical stress is the type of stress that is caused by the physical environment of the workplace, such as loud noise, bright lights, or uncomfortable temperatures.
  • Mental stress is the type of stress that is caused by the mental demands of the job, such as having to remember a lot of information or make decisions quickly.
  • Emotional stress is the type of stress that is caused by the emotional demands of the job, such as dealing with difficult customers or working in a high-pressure environment.
  • Social stress is the type of stress that is caused by the social environment of the workplace, such as a hostile work environment or a lack of social support.

Comparing Workplace Stress Across Genders

workplace stress

Studies have found that women and men experience workplace stress differently. Women are more likely to report higher levels of stress than men. They are also more likely to report that their stress interferes with their ability to function.

However, it is important to note that not all studies have found this difference. Some studies have found that men and women experience workplace stress in similar ways.

Signs of Workplace Stress

workplace stress

Among Men

Some of the signs that a man may be experiencing workplace stress include:

  • Irritability
  • Angry outbursts
  • Withdrawing from social activities
  • Excessive drinking or drug use
  • Aggressive driving

Among Women

Some of the signs that a woman may be experiencing workplace stress include:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Sleep problems
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Upset stomach

Among Transgenders

Some of the signs that a transgender person experiencing workplace stress may be similar to men and women. Some of these include:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Sleep problems
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Upset stomach
  • Isolation
  • Loss of interest in hobbies or activities that were once enjoyable.

NOTE: This is not an exhaustive list. If you are concerned about stress, please consult a mental health professional.

Causes And Risk Factors

Several different factors can cause or contribute to workplace stress. Some of these factors are specific to certain genders, while others are not.

For Women

For women, some of the specific causes of work stress include:

  • The glass ceiling: The invisible barrier that prevents women from advancing to leadership positions.
  • Sexual harassment: Unfortunately, sexual harassment is still a common problem in the workplace. This can be a major source of stress for women.
  • Work/life balance: Women are often expected to take on a larger share of domestic responsibilities, which can make it difficult to balance work and life.

For Men

For men, some of the specific causes of work stress include:

  • The pressure to be the breadwinner: Men are often expected to be the primary breadwinners for their families. This can be a major source of stress.
  • The pressure to be successful: Men are often under a lot of pressure to be successful in their careers. This can lead to stress if they feel like they are not meeting their own or others’ expectations.
  • The fear of failure: Men may be more likely than women to fear failure, which can lead to stress. As a result, they may be less likely to take risks or try new things and grow.

For Transgenders

For transgenders, some of the specific causes of work stress include:

  • Transitioning: The process of transitioning from one gender to another can be a major source of stress.
  • Discrimination: Unfortunately, transgender individuals often face discrimination in the workplace. This can be a major source of stress.
  • Lack of support: Transgenders often lack social support, which can lead to stress.

Implications of Workplace Stress

workplace stress

Workplace stress can have a number of different implications. Some of these implications are specific to certain genders, while others are not.

For Women

For women, some of the specific implications of work stress include:

  • Depression: Women who experience high levels of stress are at an increased risk for depression.
  • Anxiety: Women who experience high levels of stress are at an increased risk for anxiety.
  • Sleep problems: Women who experience high levels of stress are more likely to have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep.

For Men

For men, some of the specific implications of work stress include:

  • Heart disease: Men who experience high levels of stress are at an increased risk for heart disease.
  • High blood pressure: Men who experience high levels of stress are at an increased risk for high blood pressure.
  • Stroke: Men who experience high levels of stress are at an increased risk for stroke.

For Transgenders

For transgenders, some of the specific implications of work stress include:

  • HIV/AIDS: Transgenders who experience high levels of stress are at an increased risk for HIV/AIDS.
  • Depression: Transgenders who experience high levels of stress are at an increased risk for depression.
  • Anxiety: Transgenders who experience high levels of stress are at an increased risk for anxiety.

Suggesting Gender-sensitive Strategies To HR Leaders

workplace stress

Gender-sensitive strategies are those that take into account the different ways that men and women experience workplace stress. So, if you are an HR leader, it is important to be aware of the different ways that work stress can affect men, women, and transgender individuals. This knowledge can help you develop policies and programs that are sensitive to the needs of all employees.

Why HR Leaders Need To Employ Gender-sensitive Strategies

workplace stress

There are several reasons why HR leaders need to employ gender-sensitive strategies.

  • First, it is important to recognize that men and women experience workplace stress differently. As it will help to create a workplace that is welcoming and inclusive for all employees.
  • Second, research has shown that gender-sensitive policies and programs can improve employee satisfaction and retention. As it can help to reduce the overall level of stress in the workplace.
  • Finally, gender-sensitive strategies contend for a more inclusive and supportive environment for all employees. Thus, it can help to create a more productive and innovative workplace.

Strategies For Women

Some gender-sensitive strategies that can help reduce stress for women in the workplace include:

  • Flexible work hours: This can help to accommodate employees’ different responsibilities outside of work.
  • Childcare assistance: This can help to reduce the stress of balancing work and family responsibilities.
  • Mentoring programs: These can provide support and guidance for women as they navigate their careers.
  • Building a support network: Women can deal with workplace stress by building a network of supportive friends and family members.

Strategies For Men

Some gender-sensitive strategies that can help reduce stress for men in the workplace include:

  • Exercising: Men can relieve stress by exercising regularly.
  • Engaging in hobbies: Men can combat stress by participating in activities that they enjoy outside of work.
  • Encouraging men to take advantage of flexible work hours: This can help to reduce the pressure men feel to be the primary breadwinners for their families.
  • Creating an Employee Assistance Program: This can provide confidential counseling and support for men who are experiencing stress. As men are less likely to open up with their friends and families about issues they are facing in general.

Strategies For Transgenders

Some gender-sensitive strategies that can help reduce stress for transgender individuals in the workplace include:

  • Creating gender-neutral bathrooms: This can provide a safe and inclusive space for all employees.
  • Offering training on transgender issues: This can help to create a more understanding and supportive workplace.
  • Providing employee support: This can help to provide confidential counseling and support for employees who are experiencing stress.
  • Building a support network: Transgenders can build a supportive network of friends and family members to help them deal with stress.

  • Joining a professional organization: Transgenders can join professional organizations that can offer support and advice on dealing with stress.

  • Seeking counseling: Transgenders can seek counseling from a mental health professional to help them deal with stress.

Countering Workplace Stress With EAP

workplace stress

An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can be an effective way to counter the effects of stress in the workplace stress. An EAP provides confidential counseling and support for employees who are experiencing stress.

Mantra Care EAP can help you develop a customized EAP that meets the needs of your organization. We offer a wide range of services, including:

  • Confidential counseling for employees and their employers
  • Stress management training for managers and employees
  • Workshops on a variety of topics, such as conflict resolution and time management
  • Yoga & meditation and nutrition counseling for better physical health and emotional wellbeing

What Makes Us Different

Mantra Care EAP is different because we offer a comprehensive approach to employee assistance. It is accessible, affordable, reliable, and sensitive to unique preferences and needs. We are available by chat, video call, email, and phone, and we offer a variety of pricing options to fit your budget.

Conclusion

Workplace stress is a problem that affects all employees, regardless of gender. HR leaders need to be aware of the different ways that work stress can affect men, women, and transgender individuals. By employing gender-sensitive strategies, HR leaders can create a more supportive and productive workplace. Mantra Care EAP can help you develop a customized EAP that meets gender-specific the needs of your organization. Contact us today to learn more.

A Word From MantraCare Wellness

Employee wellness programs are the key to improving employee motivation, productivity, and retention. At MantraCare Wellness, we have a team of health experts, counselors, and coaches who serve corporate employees with 10+ wellbeing programs including EAPEmployee Diabetes ReversalCorporate MSKPCOSEmployee FitnessCorporate YogaEmployee meditation, and Employee Smoking Cessation.