What Is Stress?
Stress– Psychological, Emotional, Physiological
Response
Stressors– Threatening Environmental Conditions
Why Is StressManagement Important?
Organizational Costs Individual Costs
– Health Impairment– Job Burnout– Performance Decline
Stress in Canada
Region % as “stressed as they could handle” “on the way to overwhelmed”
Alberta 38
Atlantic Canada 41
British Columbia 37
Ontario 39
The Prairies 32
Quebec 64
The most stressful jobs
1. US President 176.62. Firefighter 110.93. Senior executive 108.612. Public relations 78.516. Advertising account executive 74.620. Stockbroker 71.742. Advertising sales 59.950. College Professor 54.2103. Market research analyst 42.1104. Personnel 41.8173. Accountant 31.1245. Actuary 20.2
Some facts
25% of white collar workers and 40% of blue collar workers had a stress-related absence in 1998 at a cost of $12 billion
One in three Canadians bet 25-44 claims to be a workaholic
The rate of physical and psychological assaults on women in the workplace is 19% higher in Canada than in the US. For men the rate is 400% higher.
Experiencing stress
STRESSORSAnticipatory,
Encounter,Time, Situational
REACTIONSPhysiological,
Psychological
RESILIENCYPhysical
Psychological
Social
Exhibit 6.2: Model of the Stress Management Process
Potential Stressors
Personal FactorsFamily problemsFinancial problemsHealth problems
Organizational FactorsHigh stress occupationJob roleOverloadUnder-utilizationRole ambiguityRole conflictResponsibility for others
Job EnvironmentPoor working conditionsOrganizational politicsPoor work relationships
Environmental FactorsEconomic UncertaintyTechnological ChangePolitics
Consequences
PsychologicalHeart DiseaseUlcersHeadaches
EmotionalAnxietyDepressionBurnout
BehavioralAggressionProductivityAvoidance
Successful CopingHigh self esteemGoal accomplishmentFeeling of well being
Stress Management
IndividualSeek helpTime managementChange jobsBuild resiliencyPersonalityCompanionship ExperienceHealth (Exercise, diet)RelaxationRecreation
OrganizationalJob DesignSelection & PlacementTraining & MentoringTeam BuildingEmployee AssistanceCommunicatingWellness Promotion
Experienced Stress(SYMPTOM AWARENESS)
Managing Stress: Objectives
Becoming Aware of Negative Stress Symptoms Determining the Sources Determining the Cause And then…
– Cope temporarily with the stress– Eliminate stressors– Develop resiliency
How Can Awareness of Stress Symptoms Be Enhanced?
Physical Symptoms Psychological Substitutes
Never Rarely Sometimes Often Always
Constant fatigue [] [] [] [] []
Low energy level [] [] [] [] []
Recurring headaches [] [] [] [] []
Gastrointestinal disorders [] [] [] [] []
Bad breath [] [] [] [] []
Sweaty hands or feet [] [] [] [] []
Dizziness [] [] [] [] []
High blood pressure [] [] [] [] []
Pounding heart [] [] [] [] []
Sources of Stress
Major Organizational Stressors– High-stress Occupations– Job Role– Interpersonal Relationships
Major Personal Stressors– Family Problems– Financial Problems– Health Problems– Personality
Major Environmental Stressors– Economic Uncertainty– Political Uncertainties– Technological Change
Managing Stress
Eliminate Stressors
Develop Resiliency
Temporary coping
mechanismsPermanent
effects
Long term Short term
Enactive approach
Proactive approach
Reactive approach
Long time required
Moderate time required
Immediate
Resiliency:
Physiological– Cardiovascular
conditioning– Proper diet
Social– Supportive relations– Mentors– teamwork
Psychological–Balanced lifestyle
–Hardy personality
–Small wins strategy
–Relaxation techniques
Types of stressors and what we can do about them
Time Stressors– Work overload– Lack of control
Elimination Strategies– Principles of time management– Delegation
Eliminating time stressors:Time management
“Effective time management can enable managers to gain control over their time and organize their fragmented, chaotic environment.”
Effective time management means…
Spending time on important, not just urgent matters
Distinguishing clearly between importance and urgency
Focusing on results not methods Not feeling guilty when saying no
Rules
Read selectively Make lists Everything in its place Prioritize Multitask the routine Discretionary task jar Divide up the big jobs Critical 20% Best time for important jobs Arrange non-interrupted time
Don’t procrastinate Keep track of time Set deadlines Use waiting time Designate time for busy
work Closure on one thing a day Schedule personal time Limit worry time Long term objectives Continuous improvement
Tips for managers
Hold routine meetings at end of day Set time limit Hold meetings only if needed Agendas, minutes Start on time Paper work decisions Organize Limit interruptions
Types of stressors and what we can do about them
Encounter Stressors:– Role Conflicts– Issue– Interaction
Elimination Strategies:– Delegation– Interpersonal skills
Conflict resolution
Resilience– Social support; Collaboration
Self awareness EQ
Types of stressors and what we can do about them
Situational Stressors:– Unfavourable working conditions– Rapid change
Elimination Strategies:– Work redesign– Changing jobs
Short term Strategies resiliency
Work redesign
Level of task demand Level of autonomy (individual control &
discretion) Level of interest Feedback
Types of stressors and what we can do about them
Anticipatory Stressors:– Unpleasant expectations– Fear
Elimination Strategies:– Time management
Priorities; planning
Short term strategies Resiliency