Our background, motivation, experience, skills and knowledge on the one hand and the support and encouragement from managers, supervisors and colleagues on the other, all play an important role. While it may be beyond the employer's responsibility, it is necessary to take into consideration the fact that not everyone comes to work with a cheerful disposition to start with. A death or sickness in the family, a temporary setback or other personal problems will influence the way in which we cope with the pressures of work. Good employers are aware of this and encourage their employees to address the problems that persist and work through them. Those not in supervisory or management positions may have a heightened sense of these situations.
Some occupations are, by their nature, stressful.
They include those dealing with violent and aggressive behaviour or the threat of it occurring, or dealing with injury, disease and death, and having continuous contact with people and human suffering. Workplace physical conditions can themselves create stress. Excessive noise with no control over sound levels can cause severe physical and behavioural problems. Severe vibration can have similar effects. Hot, humid conditions and the constant presence of hazardous substances or other hazards will also create stress.