Work strain

Work strain is the effect of a Workload on the person undertaking the work in question. It is ascertained on a case-by-case basis, as it depends on the preceding workload and the personal capabilities of the individual: An activity involving an average workload will be less demanding for a well-trained individual than for someone with a more average constitution. Both will also find it easier to cope with the same work when rested, as opposed to when they have already undertaken the work several times over.

Tolerable levels of strain are determined by ascertaining the endurance limit. If levels of strain exceed this limit over an extended period, they will induce fatigue. Work strain must therefore be taken into account when allocating work activities.

Psychological workload also results in work strain. When an employee's personal working capacity or capabilities do not match the demands that a work activity places on them, they can experience stress over the long term as a result, and this stress can lead to health complaints. The person-environment Fit model can help in this scenario. This model ensures that work requirements, personal working capabilities and demands are harmonised so that psychological stress and thus health complaints can be avoided.