What is an Allostatic Load?
‘Allostatic Load’ is the term referring to the wear and tear of the body due to continued exposure to chronic stress.
The human body always strives to maintain the state of homeostasis, which is required for its efficient working. To do that, it changes various variables constantly and this process is called ‘allostasis’.
Whenever it is faced with a stressful situation, the human body actuates various responses, which are meant to be deactivated once the stressful situation is overcome. However, in the case of chronic stress, these responses continue longer, thus putting an allostatic load on the body.
Long-term allostatic load affects the body harshly by leading to diseases and breakdown. Hence, HRs should always make sure that their employees are not under constant stress.