STRESS MANAGEMENT Stress The challenge Stress is a

STRESS MANAGEMENT

Stress: The challenge � � Stress is a normal psychological and physical reaction The brain, perceiving a threat, releases a burst of hormones to fuel response “fight-or flight” The nervous system is aroused, quickening the pulse and respiration, and tensing the muscles Once threat is gone, the body returns to a normal, relaxed state

Stress relief � � Make a change in how stress is handled Identify stress triggers � Job pressures � Relationship challenges � Financial concerns � Daily demands � Determine strategies to eliminate triggers

Stress at work � � � Now, more than ever before, job stress threatens the health of workers Economy has caused businesses to cut back Job stress results when the requirements of the job do not match the capabilities, resources, or needs of the worker*

Stress at work

Causes of job stress � Worker characteristics � Personality � Coping � skills Working conditions � Excessive workload demands � Conflicting expectations

Situational factors and work stress � � � Balance work and personal life Support network Relaxed and positive outlook

Job conditions leading to stress � � � � Task design Management style Teamwork Responsibilities Morale Rumors (job security) Work environment

Productivity � � Stressful working conditions are believed to be necessary to remain competitive Studies show that stressful working conditions result in: � Increased absenteeism � Tardiness � Employee turnover

Health risks � � � � • Mood and sleep disturbances Upset stomach Headache Cardiovascular disease Musculoskeletal disorders Psychological disorders Workplace injury “Health care expenditures are nearly 50% greater for workers who report high levels of stress” – Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Why we react to stress differently � � Genetics Life experience

Unhealthy ways to de-stress � � � Drive fast Eating too much or too little Biting your fingernails Drinking too much coffee Criticize yourself Avoid people Yell at your spouse, children, friends Smoke Drink alcohol Take drugs Get violent

Stress prevention � � � Stress management training Employee assistance program Organization changes: � Recognition programs � Career development � Strategies to eliminate stressors (address root causes)

Workplace stress eliminators � � � � • Workload meets capabilities and resources Jobs are stimulating and meaningful Roles and responsibilities are understood Employee involvement with decisions affecting their jobs Communication to eliminate rumors Teambuilding Balancing work and life - American Psychologist

Personal stress management strategies � � � Eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise and plenty of sleep Practicing relaxation techniques Fostering healthy friendships Having a sense of humor Seeking professional counseling when needed

Ways to reduce stress � � � � Decide what is most important and what can wait. Learn to say “NO”, don’t commit to things that don’t matter to you. Do one thing at a time. Get organized. Don’t put things off, use a planner for scheduling. Save time for yourself. “Unplug” when you leave work. Get enough sleep.

Healthy ways to de-stress � � � Listen to music Exercise Go outdoors Play with pets Laugh or cry Spend time with someone you love Write, draw, or paint Pray or go to church Take a bath or shower Work in the yard and do home repairs Do yoga, mediation or muscle relaxation/stretching

Implement interventions � � � Target source of stress Identify corrective measures Propose and prioritize intervention strategies Communicate Implement

Evaluate interventions � � � Short-term and long-term results Measure employee perceptions of job conditions, stress, health, and satisfaction Include objective measures

Program steps � � � Identify the problem Implement interventions Evaluate interventions MUST have top management support and employee input

Identify the problem � � � Group discussions Surveys Objective measures: � Absenteeism � Illness � Turnover rates � Performance problems � Summarize data

Summary � � � This is not a program, but a continual process Management commitment and communication are keys to success Address not only work conditions, but social stress factors that increase stress at work

Company resources � � Union Employee Assistance Program Medical Plan