Stress at Work Place & its Management

by-Akarshan G.

Meaning of Stress:

Stress simply means a feeling of tension that occurs when a person assesses that a given situation is about to exceed his or her ability to cope and consequently will endanger his or her well-being. Stress at workplace also known as Occupational stress means “the response people may have when presented with work demands and pressures that are not matched to their knowledge and abilities and which challenge their ability to cope.”

Types of stress – Two Major types of stress are -i) Acute Stress – Acute stress is a normal

part of everyday life and helps our stress response system stay on the ball. One example of acute stress is “giving a speech infront of public”.Symptoms of acute stress - • Alertness and Excitement• Increase in Energy• Uneasiness and Worry• Loss of Appetite• Immune System Suppression• Increased Metabolism

ii) Chronic Stress – Chronic stress occurs when a person gets interacted with stressors that causes acute stress for a longer and continuous period. ie acute stress in long run can be defined as chronic stress.Symptoms - • High Blood Pressure• Irritability• Diabetes• Anxiety and Panic Attacks• Depression• Eating Disturbances• Lowered Resistance

Stressors - environmental conditions that cause individuals to experience stress.

Types of stressors -

Eustress - positive stress that results from meeting challenges and difficulties with the expectation of achievement

Distress - negative stress; often referred to simply as stress. Often results in overload.

Work related stressors that can cause stress to manpower –

• Role Ambiguity•Work Overload• Job Security•Monitoring•Management Style•Working Conditions• Resource Inadequacy

Signs of Stress – How to know that you yourself are in stress

• You feel irritable.• You have sleeping difficulties. • You do not get any joy out of life.• Your appetite is disturbed. • You have relationship problems and have a difficult time getting along with people.

Consequences Of Stress on Individuals–

There can be three types of consequences

•Psychological Consequences• Behavioral Consequences• Physiological Consequences

EVERY DAYMAY NOT BE

GOOD,BUT THERE ISSOMETHING

GOOD INEVERY DAY.

Some Psychological Consequences

•Anxiety• Depression

• Low self-esteem• Sleeplessness

• Frustration• Family problems

• Burnout

BehavioralConsequences

•Excessive smoking• Substance abuse

• Accident proneness• Appetite disorders

• Violence

Physiological Consequences

•High blood pressure• Muscle tension

• Headaches• Ulcers, skin diseases

• Impaired immune systems• Musculoskeletal disorders

• Heart disease• Cancer

Consequences Of Stress on Organisation–

•Absenteeism• Diminished productivity

• Compensation claims• Health insurance

• Direct medical expenses

How individuals can manage stress –

•Exercise regularly• Be realistic

• Meditate• Develop and use planning skills

• Simplify your life – Delegate• Take one thing at a time

• Avoid unnecessary competition• Recognize and accept personal limits

•Go easy with criticism

How organisation can manage stress –

•Increase individuals’ autonomy and control•Ensure that individuals are compensated properly•Maintain job demands/requirements at healthy levels•Ensure that associates have adequate skills to keep up-to-date with technical changes in the workplace

How organisation can manage stress –

•Increase associate involvement in important decision making •Improve physical working conditions•Provide for job security and career development•Provide healthy work schedules•Improve communication to help avoid uncertainty and ambiguity

Consclusion –

There will be stress throughout your entire life. Work will always be there. It is how you use your stress management skills that make the difference!By taking control of your thoughts, emotions, and environment you are controlling your life instead of letting stress control you!Remember what is truly important in life- Your Happiness!

And only a few can be without stress….WithoutStress

Thank You !!!Any questions ???