Big Brother methods add to workplace stress

A study by the Economic and Social Research Council has suggested that modern working practices can put as much strain on a woman's family relationships as working an extra 120 hours a year. Team-based forms of work organization, performance-related pay and policies that emphasize the development of individual potential all create a pressure to perform which can have a detrimental effect on employees' families. Women's family relationships are more likely to be adversely effected by these employment practices than men although both sexes can suffer stress over childcare arrangements. Women are also less likely to get help from men around the home when men are subject to modern working practices.

The study also looked at computerized surveillance in the workplace which now affects more than half of all British employees. This surveillance has led to a sharp increase in work strain and feelings of exhaustion, anxiety and worry which is particularly strong among administrative and white-collar staff in places such as call centres.

You can find out more about this research at

http://psychcentral.com/news/2007/12/14/women-face-increased-worksite-stress/1667.html