The Effects of Perceived Stress on the Professional Life

Abstract

Perceived stress has significant effects on professional life, influencing performance, motivation, and job satisfaction. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified these effects through uncertainty, overload, and the rapid adaptation to new working conditions, such as online or hybrid work. In the long term, chronic stress associated with the pandemic context can lead to burnout, difficulties in concentration, decreased efficiency, and the deterioration of professional relationships, highlighting the need for stress management strategies and organizational support.

Occupational stress is closely related to behavioral harshness, manifested through rigidity, irritability, and reduced empathy in professional interactions, as a defensive mechanism in response to constant pressure. In relation to employees’ age, stress may be perceived differently: younger employees tend to experience stress related to adaptation, performance, and job insecurity, while older employees more frequently face stress associated with overload, organizational changes, and chronic fatigue. Moreover, high levels of stress contribute to increased agitation in the workplace, reflected in restlessness, interpersonal conflicts, concentration difficulties, and a tense organizational climate, which negatively affects employees’ efficiency and well-being.