Nature of Stress

OBJECTIVESTO UNDERSTAND The role of stress in employee health Extreme forms of stress reactions Causes and symptoms of stress Organizational effects of stress Actions that may prevent or reduce

stress

Stress

― is the general term applied to the pressures people feel about.

TYPICAL NEGATIVE SYMPTOMS OF UNMANAGED STRESS

Physiological:

Ulcers Digestive

problems Headaches High blood

pressure Sleep

disruption

Psychological:

Emotional instability

Moodiness Nervousness

and tension Chronic worry Burnout

Behavioral Excessive

smoking Abuse of

alcohol or drugs

Absenteeism Aggression Safety

problems Performance

problems

Employees need

resilience!

EXTREME PRODUCTS OF STRESS Burnout Workplace trauma

SOURCES OF WORKPLACE TRAUMA1. Sudden job loss with its potentially crushing effect on one’s self-

esteem.

2. Witnessing workplace violence

CAUSES OF STRESSStressors

―conditions that tend to cause stress

Typical causes of stress on the job

Work overload and time dealines Poor quality of supervision Insecure job climate Lack of personal control Inadequate authority to match responsibilities Role conflict and ambiguity Differences between company and employee

values Change of any type, especially when it is

major or unusual Frustration Technology with training or support

Frustration- it is a result of a motivation (drive)

being blocked to prevent one from reaching a desired goal.

Types of reactions•Aggresion•Apathetic•Withdrawal•Regression

Major sources of frustration

Coworkers who may place barriers in the way of goal attainment.

Work itself

Effects of stress in performance

Internal factors affecting employee stress

Stress threshold Amount of perceived control

Three approaches to manage stress Prevent Escape Cope

Several approches in coping with stress

Social support Relaxation efforts Biofeedback Personal wellness