Specifically, a brief self - affirmation was effective in eliminating
the deleterious effects of chronic stress on problem - solving performance, such that chronically stressed self - affirmed participants performed under pressure at the same level as participants with low chronic stress levels.
Workload, in particular tight deadlines, too much work and too much pressure or responsibility, a lack
of managerial support, organisational changes at work, violence and role uncertainty are identified causes
of work - related
stress.1 These factors are antecedents
of sickness presenteeism which is mediated by mental and physical health.2 At the individual level,
chronic stress produces long - term
deleterious effects in health, namely, cardiovascular diseases, 3 burn - out, anxiety and depression.4 Sickness absence in Europe is associated with psychosocial work factors.5 The link between work performance,
stress and health poses an important challenge to workers, employers and organisations in general, as
stress should be monitored and mitigation measures implemented accordingly.6