Stress in the Workplace Flashcards
What is Stress?
Stress is a state of tension experienced by individuals facing extraordinary demands, constraints, or opportunities
Stressor
is anything that causes stress.
Types Of Stress
Constructive Stress
Destructive Stress
Constructive Stress
encourages effort, increases performance, stimulates creativity, enhances diligence
Destructive Stress
lack of energy, bad attitude, poor self-esteem, lowered performance, workplace rage
Examples Of Constructive Stress
Deadlines
Profit sharing
Promotion
Wages
Examples Of Destructive Stress
Unrealistic expectations
Demanding boss
Role conflicts
Career progress too slow
In a job that doesn’t match talents
Destructive Stress Can Lead To
Job Burnout
Workplace Rage
Job Burnout
a form of physical and mental exhaustion that can be incapacitating personally and in respect to work.
Workplace Rage
is overtly aggressive behaviour toward co-workers or the work setting.
Turnover
Absenteeism
Accidents
In couples, stress in one person is transferred to the other
Personal and Health issues related to stress
Too much stress can reduce resistance to disease and increase the likelihood of physical and or mental illness
Increase of health problems (hypertension, ulcers, muscle aches, overeating, substance abuse, depression)
Work Factors
have potential to create job stress
Examples:
Unrealistic work deadlines
Long hours
Excessive e-mails
Unwelcome or unfamiliar work
Restructuring
Any change to your work/workplace
Physical (new workspace)
Digital
Work assignment (tasks)
Work relationships (coworkers/ reporting)
Personal Factors
Such individual characteristics as needs, capabilities, and personality can influence how one perceives and responds to the work situation.
Examples include:
Individual needs (need for achievement, perfectionism, etc.)
Family events
Economics (potential layoffs)
Personal issues (family, mental health)
Why should Managers care?
Humanitarianism
Productivity
Creativity
Return on investment:
Humanitarianism
managers have a humanitarian responsibility to ensure that they are not negatively affecting the health of their employees
Productivity
healthy employees are absent less often, make fewer errors and have less turnover
Creativity
healthy employees are more creative and more likely to take reasonable risks
Return on investment
when poor heath removes an individual’s contribution to the organization, there is no return on the time and money invested in that employees
Wellness programs
Not only focuses on reducing stress but also keeping employees healthy
Examples of wellness programs: Puppy play, Work gym, recreational activities (Volleyball, ping pong), nap stations, Smoothie bars
Stress Reduction Techniques used in organizations
meditation
time management training
flex time
General Tips for stress reduction
Take control of the situation: Do your best; know your limits.
Pace yourself: Plan your day to do high-priority things first, but stay flexible.
Open up to others: Discuss your problems, fears, and frustrations with those who care about you.
Do things for others: thing of others.
Exercise: engage in regular physical activity.
Balance work and recreation: Schedule time for recreation, including vacations from work!
