A recent study by South Australian academics suggests that workplace stress might be spilling onto our roads with potentially dangerous consequences.
In a study involving 130 workers, University of South Australia's Work and Stress Research Group found that employees who felt undervalued and overworked were more likely to display aggressive tendencies behind the wheel.
Apparently a lack of reward and recognition leads to general anger that "which in turn increases the individual's tendency to experience frequent and intense anger in driving," according to researchers.
The findings may point to the increased hazards of travel by car to and from work, which no longer attracts workers' compensation coverage thanks to changes introduced by the former Howard Government last year before losing office.
Have your say: Does increased workplace stress have an impact on driving performance? Post a comment below or email us at cpsunews@cpsu.org.au and tell us what you think.
Comments(20)
Posted by:Star - 8 Feb 2008, 7:55pm
Last year my workplace reduced the amount of vehicles. This has resulted in people booking the cars by the hour stacked onto each other.This means that one has to rush around to get the job done and return before the deadline. This is causing workers huge amount of stress and an increase on traffic offences. On the other hand the aggression from workers has also become overt when cars are not returned on time. As I have returned to work in recent times from stress leave, things are not looking good. This is definetly an OH&S issue as some departments are cutting costs and ignoring worker safety, while expecting workers to maintain productivity.
Posted by:Lee - 8 Feb 2008, 11:29am
My husband & kids have often commented upon the fact that I play heavy metal on the way to work (to gear up) then play classical on the way home (to calm down) so think it's a pretty good indicator that I might find work a bit stressful ...... but it's better than being unemployed !
Posted by:Annette - 7 Feb 2008, 3:58pm
I have read that most accidents occur within 5 kilometeres of home. Apparently people relax their guard and can't wait to get there. Re stress. It is true that it is hard to deal with aggressive shouting people. Often I think they would like to cry but shoud instead. Imagine them crying. It helps.
Posted by:LS - 7 Feb 2008, 3:03pm
If not leading to road rage work place stress will cause fatigue ,lack of concentration, tiredness and general distraction meaning driving is affected. Some stress may be relieved by an enjoyable drive.
Driving for your job such as jobs that have scheduled stops and inspections and deadlines may have increased stress if targets are not met yes there is a need to look at the OHS considerations of driver stress for productivity and safety.
Posted by:Bodhi - 7 Feb 2008, 2:23pm
Dear Mai
I had a girlfriend who worked in Centrelink and spent many nights giving her support for the trauma she endured working with clients there.
It's so easy for me to say this from the outside but it might help for your own spiritual protection and peace of mind to remind yourself (probably even daily or even moment by moment) that you are at the frontline dealing with people who are suffering and coping (or not) with hopelessness and have very low self esteem. Despite their ability to upset and unsettle you or me on a one to one basis, as a social class they are largely powerless and understandably look to blame society and hit out at you because you symbolise it for them.
It is possibly the hardest challenge for anyone to do but try to feel compassion and kindness for them even when they are at their most objectionable. You are dealing with very desperate people many of whom are suffering mentally and physically. Try not to take their tyrades personally but let it passs over you and most of all reserve some loving kindness for yourself and thank you SO MUCH for the work you do. As Kevin Rudd said in his election night speech, there is no higher service than public service. I have total admiration for you and your work. Blessings to you and your colleagues.
Last year my workplace reduced the amount of vehicles. This has resulted in people booking the cars by the hour stacked onto each other.This means that one has to rush around to get the job done and return before the deadline. This is causing workers huge amount of stress and an increase on traffic offences. On the other hand the aggression from workers has also become overt when cars are not returned on time. As I have returned to work in recent times from stress leave, things are not looking good. This is definetly an OH&S issue as some departments are cutting costs and ignoring worker safety, while expecting workers to maintain productivity.
My husband & kids have often commented upon the fact that I play heavy metal on the way to work (to gear up) then play classical on the way home (to calm down) so think it's a pretty good indicator that I might find work a bit stressful ...... but it's better than being unemployed !
I have read that most accidents occur within 5 kilometeres of home. Apparently people relax their guard and can't wait to get there. Re stress. It is true that it is hard to deal with aggressive shouting people. Often I think they would like to cry but shoud instead. Imagine them crying. It helps.
If not leading to road rage work place stress will cause fatigue ,lack of concentration, tiredness and general distraction meaning driving is affected. Some stress may be relieved by an enjoyable drive.
Driving for your job such as jobs that have scheduled stops and inspections and deadlines may have increased stress if targets are not met yes there is a need to look at the OHS considerations of driver stress for productivity and safety.
Dear Mai
I had a girlfriend who worked in Centrelink and spent many nights giving her support for the trauma she endured working with clients there.
It's so easy for me to say this from the outside but it might help for your own spiritual protection and peace of mind to remind yourself (probably even daily or even moment by moment) that you are at the frontline dealing with people who are suffering and coping (or not) with hopelessness and have very low self esteem. Despite their ability to upset and unsettle you or me on a one to one basis, as a social class they are largely powerless and understandably look to blame society and hit out at you because you symbolise it for them.
It is possibly the hardest challenge for anyone to do but try to feel compassion and kindness for them even when they are at their most objectionable. You are dealing with very desperate people many of whom are suffering mentally and physically. Try not to take their tyrades personally but let it passs over you and most of all reserve some loving kindness for yourself and thank you SO MUCH for the work you do. As Kevin Rudd said in his election night speech, there is no higher service than public service. I have total admiration for you and your work. Blessings to you and your colleagues.