Staff
who are always complaining could be suffering from a medical condition similar
to post-traumatic stress.
A
two-year study of workplace anxiety in Germany has indentified an illness the
researchers have called post-traumatic embitterment disorder.
Those
most susceptible lead lives that revolve around their work – especially if they
are passed over for promotion, feel undervalued by their colleagues or are
humiliated in the workplace.
Symptoms
include pulling ‘sickies’, feelings of depression, aggression or helplessness,
a poor appetite, nightmares and phobias about people and places linked to work.
Those
who paid more attention to other areas of their lives, such as family and
hobbies, are less likely to be affected.