The negative impact of workplace pressures and stress 

It is widely accepted and acknowledged that stress at work can have an adverse impact on employees, affecting their well-being, both physical and psychological, as well as their relationships to their jobs, work colleagues, and life outside work. However, employee stress can also have serious implications for organisational performance. Not only is it the leading cause of long-term absence from work (and a common cause of short-term absence) but it can affect employee productivity at work, increase staff turnover and cause accidents and errors, lead to industrial disputes and damage company reputations. 

The impact of too much pressure on individuals

Physical health
. hypertension/cardiovascular disease
. digestive disorders
. musculoskeletal complaints
. fatigue/exhaustion

Psychological well-being
. anxiety/depression
. reduced ability to concentrate
. low self-esteem
. insomnia
. impaired interpersonal skills

Relationship to work
. engagement
. motivation
. commitment
. job satisfaction

Other
. family/relationship difficulties
. increased alcohol consumption
. increased smoking frequency

The impact of too much pressure on organisations

Sickness absence
. stress-related ill health
. stress-exacerbated ill health
. coping mechanism

Performance/productivity
. reduced motivation/commitment
. reduced concentration/ability
. presenteeism  (when an employee is constantly present at work despite being unwell)

Staff turnover
. self-preservation
. breakdown in working relationships
. disengagement
. difficulties recruiting

Other
. error/accident/injury
. workplace conflict
. industrial disputes
. damage to reputation