The experience of stress in the workplace is, of course, different for each individual. Some workers can be more affected than others, despite the set of circumstances being exactly the same. What is stressful to one person may not be the same to for another. Other people may become accustomed to the symptoms of stress so that it goes unnoticed to their detriment. There is no single cause of work-related stress. Sudden unexpected events can produce an element of pressure, which can sometimes lead to stress -- but it is usually a gradual accumulation of stressful factors which has the most impact on health. There may also be emotional and behavioural changes, which can include: feeling that you can't cope; short-temperedness; feeling tearful; eating when you're not hungry; losing your appetite; smoking and drinking throughout the day; being unable to concentrate; getting less work done; having poor relationships with colleagues; and a loss of motivation and commitment. Other indictors of stress that are specific to the workplace can include: eating on the run; rushing tasks; being available to everyone; doing several jobs at once; missing breaks; taking work home with you; and having no time for exercise and relaxation. Recognising the causes of stress in the workplace Being able to recognise some of the common causes of stress at work is important, so that you can take steps to minimise your stress levels wherever possible. Examples of factors contributing to stress at work include: * Excessive workloads and unrealistic deadlines.