...Stress Management in the Workplace What I Learned about Stress Management and How to Manage the Stress in the Workplace Jonathon Redone MGT 301 – CL01 Theodore Finney April 24, 2010 It is three o’clock on a Friday, and it will be three-day weekend and you plan on going to a vacation resort with your family when your supervisor comes into your office and tells you that they have an emergency project and that you and your team need to come in over the weekend and work on this project that is due first thing when the weekend is over. As the supervisor, it is your job to take that news to your team and tell them that information. Obviously this will cause stress on you, your family, and team. It will cause stress on your family because this was a planned tripped and they were looking forward to going on the trip. It will cause stress on your team because this is a last minute notice and your team may have plans for the three-day weekend. It will cause stress for you because you have to tell the bad news to your family and your team. Hopefully that stress will not over take you and cause any hardship on your physical and mental being. People spend a lot of time at work, whether it is to do the normal day-to-day work, overtime, or just spending some extra time just to catch up. The time that is spent at work is not normally care-free or easy, but can cause some work anxiety which in turn can cause stress. Stress can be mentally or emotionally disruptive or upsetting...
Words: 2888 - Pages: 12
...(2006) define workplace stress as the “change in one’s physical or mental state in response to workplaces that have an appraised challenge or threat to that employee.” The authors divide stress into two categories: eustress and distress. In eustress, the positive stress, the associated stressor has been cognitively appraised as positive; distress is the negative kind of stress, such as that experienced by employees who feel frustrated by a pressure to perform. All employees respond cognitively, behaviourally, emotionally, and physically to both eustress and distress. Moreover, the authors identify three levels of stress—acute, episodic, and chronic—each level of which has associated emotional and physiological symptoms. The authors point out that several factors contribute to workplace stress, such as a toxic work environment, an unmanageable workload, and challenging working hours, while adding that training can help alleviate workplace stress. Shuttleworth (2004) argues that training in workplace management can help employees become more resilient in the face of stress and better able to tackle the root causes of stress-related problems. Key Assumptions Colligan and Higgins (2006) make the following key points about workplace stress: * Workplace stress can lower productivity, increase absenteeism, and create pervasive patterns of dysfunction in the workplace. Workplace stress will also lead to changes in employees’ work habits and personalities and cause job burnout...
Words: 818 - Pages: 4
...Workplace stress is the “harmful physical and emotional responses that can happen when there is a conflict between job demands on the employee and the amount of control an employee has over meeting these demands.” (“Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety,” 2008) Workplace stress could be caused by fear of being laid off or pressure to perform meeting expectations. Whatsoever the cause may be, there are companies or government organization program that offers services as a part of benefits to employees. The aim of this paper is to discuss the different methods the human resource management can help employees to overcome workplace stress and how the various elements of the stress reduction program addresses the six areas of organizational life which are amount of workload, amount of control, rewards system, interaction with a sense of community, fairness and values. Two journal articles are analyzed in this paper. The first article is the main focus of this paper because it illustrates the workplace of a man named Alan Logan who works at Huntington Hospital, the article is by Tyler (2006) on “stress management”. The second article is by Sidle (2008) on “workplace stress management interventions: what works best?” Occupational stressors can result from job dissatisfaction to work environment. Most people who are not satisfied with their jobs for reasons such as the salary or the condition of the workplace tend to get frustrated easily which causes workplace...
Words: 2277 - Pages: 10
...How Work-Stress Effects the Employee Todd Smith BUS642: Business Research Methods & Tools Ruizhen Hardin October 15, 2012 Introduction It is almost inevitable to experience stress in the workplace, regardless of what organization or industry an individual works in. Through history, the presence of stress has always been a reality that once must face in the workforce. However, with the current state of economy stress in the workplace is a growing concern due to employees facing increased conditions of overwork, decreased levels of job satisfaction, harsh work environments, job insecurity, and lack of self-sufficiency. In many organizations, employees as well as management are not completely clear about what their roles are in the organization, which ultimately leads to increased levels of stress. There have also been research and studies conducted that indicates that even with high levels of stress in the workplace, it actually exerts better performance in employees. In addition these studies also indicate that stress is actually needed in the workplace to increase levels of performance. Considering the implications of these studies, it is important to explore a hypothesis on how causes of work stress has an effect on motivation and job performance. This hypothesis is crucial in confirming that stress in the workplace has more of a negative impact on employees. Contributes to much health related issues. General Causes of Stress ...
Words: 2380 - Pages: 10
...04/11/2015 04/11/2015 Stress in the Workplace Stress in the Workplace Assessment 2 John McGlone Admin and IT Group B Unit F7JA34 Learning Outcome 2 Anne Marie Clelland 1 Terms of Reference 1.1 Background I am John McGlone and I am writing a report on stress in the workplace for my Office Admin class at Coatbridge College, the reason for this report is to find the effects of stress in the workplace and try find ways in which it could be prevented. It is to be submitted as an assessment to the lecturer of my Office Admin class and it is to be graded. 1.2 Aim The aim of my report is to hand in an article which effectively and understandably describes the results of stress in the workplace, telling how it effects the work and the overall mind-set. The whole purpose is basically to inform people of how stress effects people in the workplace. 1.3 Objectives The objectives is to research and find information on work related stress from different sources and gather facts on the causes and effects of stress and then try to find ways in which the stress can be prevented in the workplace. 1.4 Limitations/Scope I found it difficult to complete the task as I felt I did not have...
Words: 1251 - Pages: 6
...It is not unusual for people to feel stress in their everyday lives. Stress can be found in most aspects of people lives, including in their home, in their relationships, and even in the workplace. Some people even consider their job as the most stressful aspect of their lives. According to Robbins (2003), stress can be defined as a dynamic condition in which an individual is confronted with an opportunity, constraint or demand related to what he needs and for which the outcomes are perceived to be both uncertain and important. When people feel stress, they will have several different symptoms. These reactions can be divided into three types, physiological, psychological and behavioral symptoms (Robbins, 2003). Physiological symptom is a condition whereby the stress felt by individual would affect the individual physically, such as headache, heart diseases and other physical discomfort. Psychological symptom is when the stress felt by the individual is affecting the individual psychologically or emotionally. When the individual feels stress, he would experience some psychological discomfort, such as anxiety which could lead to depression. Another symptom is when the stress affecting the individual in his or her daily behaviors or actions. In the daily lives, one symptom can lead to another symptom. In 1954, Abraham Harold Maslow (1908-1970) suggested the “Maslow’s hierarchy of needs” theory. According to this theory, the most basic needs of humans are the physiological needs...
Words: 2482 - Pages: 10
...Workplace Accident in Malaysia: Most Common Causes and Solutions Voon Mei Hui Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Gong Badak Campus, Terengganu, Malaysia Abstract There are various reasons for an accident to happen in a workplace. It could results to either minimal accident or tragic accidents, causing minor injury, damage to equipment or even in some cases, major injury or death. Employees need to be alert and aware at all times to avoid accidents, while managers need to master and understand the most common causes for workplace accidents and be able to identify the risk factors early to prevent it. To achieve a goal successfully, a conducive and competitive working environment may help the organization to run their daily operation smoothly. Considering on the importance of safety at workplace, the Malaysian government has introduce efforts on executing safety and health policies through the enforcement of guidelines as well as conducting site safety seminars and certifications. According to the existing record indicated that the present Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) situation in the workplace is still adverse and below expectation. This paper discussed on the issue about the most common causes of workplace accidents among workers at workplace. This paper aims to propose a conceptual framework to study the relationship between individual factors that contribute to the workplace accidents and suggested solutions on those issues. The study will utilize qualitative method...
Words: 4210 - Pages: 17
...Psychological health in the workplace Including mental health in your business model is important to a healthy workplace. Poor mental health not only hurts the individual, it also reduces corporate profits. It's important that all levels of the workplace - including the Board of Directors, management, finance, and human resources departments - get involved to incorporate mental health at your workplace in order to ensure proper functioning of firm. There is also a legislative requirement for employers to protect the mental and physical health of their employees. Many provincial occupational health and safety acts have been expanded to include harm to psychological well-being in the definition of harassment. In jurisdictions that do not have explicit legislation dealing with psychological health in the workplace, the general duty clause would apply. The most important organizational factors that impact organizational health, the health of individual employees and the financial bottom line, including the way work is carried out and the context in which work occurs, are Psychological Support, Organizational Culture, Clear Leadership & Expectations, Civility & Respect, Psychological Job Fit, Growth & Development, Recognition & Reward, Involvement & Influence, Workload Management, Engagement, Balance, Psychological Protection, Protection of Physical Safety. Apart from the aforesaid factors, a key issue affecting an employee’s health is stress. Taber's Cyclopedic...
Words: 1103 - Pages: 5
...Reduction of Workplace Stress by Promoting Interventions for Positive Professional Relationships Aminata Kamarah-Payne Tuesday, April 26, 2011 NPO 5080-01 Final Paper Dr. Christine Cugliari Introduction: The experience of workplace stress has been subject to a huge amount of research and interest. In American culture, it seems that stress is a regular part of everyday life. Emphasis is often put on getting many things done as quickly and efficiently as possible, even at the sacrifice of physical and emotional health. With the continuous introduction of new technology comes the expectation that projects should be completed even more quickly and more efficiently, and it seems that stress levels may only continue to increase, especially in the workplace. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) (1999, p.5), “Three-fourths of employees believe the worker has more on the job stress than generations ago.” Without taking note of stress levels and properly reducing unhealthy stress, America will continue to see a rise in related mental and physical illness. Perhaps it will become even more crucial to study stress, particularly in the workplace, and to identify proper interventions. This prospective is no different in the nonprofit sector. Nonprofit organizations play an important role in such diverse areas as arts and culture, sports and recreation, literacy and skills development programs, health services, religious activity, and...
Words: 3883 - Pages: 16
...Organizational Trends Nathaniel Benson, Felton Wells, Kevin Harring, William Kindred MGT/307 February 17, 2011 Charles Parnell Organizational Trends Team B entered discussion concerning organizational trends. Within the discussion the team came to a consensus about its thoughts toward organizational trends. In this paper we will describe the characteristics of high performance workplaces and organizations, discuss how high performance workplaces and organizations differ from traditional organizations in terms of operational effectiveness, workplace stress, and organizational dynamics. We will then compile strategies for managing workplace stress, and evaluate emerging trends in organizational behavior related to high performance workplaces and stress management techniques. Although each organization has its own way of doing things, trends in high performance workplaces and organizations differ from traditional organizations in terms of operational effectiveness, workplace stress, and organizational dynamics. High Performance Workplace and Organization Characteristics Organizations consist of many characteristics of high performance. A few of these characteristics consist of work clarity, and a capability assessment. Work clarity consists of making sure every employee understands why the organization exists and what is important. The process makes it clear to all employees in the organization, what business the larger or parent organizations are in and...
Words: 977 - Pages: 4
...scientists are discovering how stress works and how lethal it can be. Years of ground-breaking research by multiple scientists are revealing surprising facts about the impact of stress: It can shrink our brains, add fat to our bellies, even unravel our chromosomes. Yet, understanding how stress works can help us figure out ways to combat it and how to live a life free of this present-day plague. Now, scientists are showing just how measurable and dangerous prolonged exposure to stress can be. Stanford University neurobiologist, MacArthur "Genius Grant" recipient and renowned author Robert Sapolsky and National Geographic reveal new answers to why and how stress is killing us in "Killer Stress: A National Geographic Special." While some stress is a normal part of the workplace, excessive stress can interfere with your productivity and reduce your physical and emotional health. Finding ways to manage workplace stress is not about making huge changes to every aspect of your work life or rethinking career ambitions. Rather, stress management requires focus on the one thing that’s always within your control: you. There are a variety of steps you can take to reduce both your overall stress levels and the stress you find on the job and in the workplace. These include: Tip 1: Recognize warning signs of excessive stress at work Tip 2: Reduce job stress by taking care of yourself Tip 3: Reduce job stress by prioritizing and organizing Tip 4: Reduce job stress by improving emotional...
Words: 682 - Pages: 3
...Anxiety & Depression Abstract : Anxiety and depression are a present part of life for almost all human beings in this world. This is an illness and not a disease. This illness has incurred due to various factors in present day world which has grown to be challenging, selfish and non caring. This study investigates the various contributing factors of anxiety and depression and theories supporting them which in terms have assisted to address all relevant resolution to manage anxiety and depression in all spheres of society including workplaces. The main focus is on the workplace management of anxiety and depression as the economic dependency based on workplace is the primary key indicator to trigger off the psychological imbalance within human beings. This article elaborates the remedial procedures and responsibilities for both the employees and employer to participate in harmony to overcome the components and mange those which give rise to anxiety and depression. The approach if being managed professionally will arrest the negative mental health of the employees which will add up to incremental productivity which will eliminate cost and bear revenue generations for the organisations. Introduction : Sociological, economical, political and environmental aspects have given to increase trends in anxiety and depression across all sects of human beings across the world. This is leading to the withdrawal symptoms of employees resulting to absenteeism, error in work, low productivity...
Words: 2707 - Pages: 11
...Abbreviated Qualitative Research Plan Introduction Stress is the result of emotional, physical, social, economic, or other factors that require a change in one’s behavior, thought process, environment, or response. Robbins & Judge, (2008), defines stress as, “a dynamic condition in which one is confronted with an opportunity, constraint or demand related to what he wishes and for which the outcome is perceived to be both uncertain and important”. This definition can be broken down into three dimensions, as followed: 1) Environmental (stressors), 2) adaptive responses, and 3) individual differences Robbins et al. (2008). In essence, stress can be looked at from three different viewpoints; 1) Medical, 2) clinical, and 3) organization. Stress in the workplace has been recognized throughout the world in the workplace as a major challenge. Stress in the workplace has been noted to adversely impact on the employees’ psychological and physical health, as well as the effectiveness within organizations. Purpose Statement The purpose of this study is to determine is stress among the employee’s existed. If so, the nature, the causes, and related aspects. Stress causes health concerns both physically and emotionally. This is to reduce and/or eliminate stress in the workplace. The study will focus on two primary objectives: 1. To determine what management and employers can do to reduce stress while at work 2. To establish a program which will provide training for...
Words: 468 - Pages: 2
...York University Liberal Arts & Professional Studies Workplace Violence in Healthcare By: Alyssa Mohammad - 210477172 Colleen Duncan-Reid - 209503145 Fifame Sonou - 208122467 Manjot Singh - 210688679 Course: HRM 3470 - Recruitment, Selection, and Performance Appraisal of Personnel Instructor: Dr. Souha R. Ezzedeen Date of Submission: Thursday, November 25, 2010 An emerging health and safety issue in today’s organizations which has detrimental effects on employees as well as employers is workplace violence. This type of violence can be physical or verbal assault. Healthcare organizations recognize that there is a potential for four types of violence. The most common of these four types is client or patient. This occurs when the patient, a visitor or family of a patient is violent towards workers or another patient. Type two is criminal intent which occurs when the perpetrator has no relationship to the workplace. Type three is worker-to-worker. This often includes the perpetrator either employed or previously employed by the organization. Type four which is often not recognized by employers is personal relationship violence (PRV). This type raises the issue of domestic violence in the workplace. The perpetrator has a personal relationship with an employee or a client and is trying to intimidate/hurt the victim through the use of physical force, verbal harassment or manipulation (financial or emotional) in order to maintain control over the...
Words: 1776 - Pages: 8
...1. Discussion Stress can be define as physical, mental, or emotional strain or tension, and a situation, occurrence, or factor causing this. The word “stress” actually comes from a Latin word meaning, “distress.” Stress affects everybody in the society. Today, more people suffer from stress than ever before. The pace of life is stressful in itself. People expect to manage the major life changes and crises without the network of support that previous generations relied upon. For some, stress may not be related to specific events, but may have developed in early childhood as an anxiety response to difficult situations. This response may have been carried into adult life as the characteristic way of dealing with difficulties. One in every four people seeks treatment for stress at some time in their lives. While some workplace stress is normal, excessive stress can interfere with employees’ productivity and impact employees’ physical and emotional health. Signs of stress can be seen in people's behaviour, especially in changes in behaviour. Signs and symptoms of excessive job and workplace stress are feeling anxious, irritable, or depressed, loss of interest in work, problems sleeping, fatigue, trouble concentrating, muscle tension or headaches, stomach problems, and social withdrawal. Situations that are likely to cause stress are unpredictable or uncontrollable. Stress may be caused by time limited events, such as the pressures of examinations or work deadlines, or by ongoing...
Words: 2272 - Pages: 10
