White Paper

The revolutionary changes witnessed in the nature of work in business organizations, particularly during last four decades, have greatly influenced the work culture and performance of these organizations. There was a huge introduction of new technology, predominantly the use of computers, into the place of work followed by a massive shift towards globalization, with many organizations undergoing strategic alliances, acquisitions, mergers and privatizations. The end result of this entrepreneurial period was increased economic competitiveness in international markets. A major restructuring of work took place in the 1990‘s. Many organisations in different countries hit by recession were downsising in an effort to survive. With the first light of the 21st century, this trend for downsizing and restructuring continued in many organizations, together with an increase in outsourcing and sub-contracting, in order to survive and compete successfully in the increasingly competitive and dynamic global market. Stress at workplace is a moderately new phenomenon of today‘s lifestyles. The characteristic of work has gone through strong changes from the last few century and it is still changing at fast speed they have touched almost all professions. Occupational stress poses a threat to physical health being. Working at occupation related stress in the life of organised employees, as a result, affects the health of organisations (Sanyo Moosa, 2009).