Onkar R. Satam

Occupational StressStress Management

DefinitionPhysical or psychological disorder associated with an occupational

environment and manifested in symptoms such as extreme anxiety, or tension, or cramps, headaches, or digestion problems.

Stress related to responsibilities associated with work, corporate culture or personality conflicts

Can lead to physical as well as emotional disorders

May cause depression if left unattended

Effects of Occupational StressPsychological and behavioral problems

Anxiety Irritability Alcohol and Drug Use Feeling Powerless Low Morale

Physical symptoms: Fatigue Headache Stomach Problems Muscular Aches and pains Chronic Mild Illness Sleep Disturbances Eating Disorders

If exposure to stressors in the workplace is prolonged, then chronic health problems can occur including stroke.

Managing Occupational Stress New TechnologyStress due to introduction of new technology can be

greately reduced by training of the employees in the new technology so that they are comfortable and can easily adjust to the new machines and work procedures

Shift WorkAllocation of shifts to employees making sure that

all employees are awarded shifts in rotation to avoid monotony in work timings and conditions

Longer Working HoursTry not to work long hour and ask whether flexible

working hours are available. Enough sleep is essential.

DeadlinesSet realistic goals and targets which are achievable in

the given time frame with optimum effort.

Commuting to WorkTry to move in closer to workplace or find work near to

residence. Travel with a friend to work. Take train to avoid frustration of traffic jams.

Working ConditionsOrganizations need to provide with good lighting, ventilation,

washroom facilities, rest rooms, first aid, canteen etc to ensure hygienic and safe working conditions.

Bad CommunicationImprove communication skills, training can be imparted to

employees in work related communication and interpersonal skills as well as written communication.

Accepting New Jobs Moe on to next job once u learn the present job. Look out for

only those jobs which you are actually interested in.

Being the BossDevelop good rapport with employees and subordinates, lead

by example, have good clear communication with them and always reason out clearly and create a consensus for your decisions

Queen Bee SyndromeIt is best to create a balance with fun, humor, and compassion

with your co-workers and intermingle this with your enthusiasm of strong work ethics to gain respect and guide others to mimic your enthusiasm.

Lack of EnthusiasmMonotony in job needs to be avoided. New challenges and responsibilities should be

taken up to maintain enthusiasm.

Job SatisfactionTry and identify what u like in your job and what you don’t. Try

and chalk out possible solutions. Talk to superiors and try and change the characteristics of the job to make it more satisfying.

Job SecurityThe threat of losing a job makes life generally very stressful.

Workers also put up with more hassles just to keep a job. Changing occupations is far more common now days - this can be one of the most stressful times in a persons life.

BoredomTry and induce various activities and variations in work. Lack

of enthusiasm and boredom are mainly due to monotony in work and the elimination of this monotony will greatly reduce stress.

Occupational Stress and GenderAccording to a study conducted jointly by University of the

Witwatersrand, South Africa, University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology, U.K., Graduate Institute of Behavioural Sciences, Taiwan and University of South Florida, U.S.on the variations in effect of occupational stress on males and females

Both males and females experience same amount of stressors at workplace

But men experience less stress than women Stressors at work have more effect on women as compared to

men.

Women and Occupational StressCauses of Stress Dual responsibilities of professional as well as family life Decimation on basis of gender at workplace Inability to take up better or different jobs due to family

pressure

Symptoms of Occupational Stress in WomenPsychological problemsDepressive symptoms, insomnia, dissatisfaction, irritability,

rage, anxiety, fearfulness, feelings of guilt and shame and withdrawal

Physical problems

Coronary heart disease, changes in blood pressure, body ache, tension headaches, digestive problems and back pain

Dysfunctional behavioral manifestations

Sickness absenteeism, changing jobs frequently, career interruption and job withdrawal owing to negative job attitudes

Women have to develop a model of working which enables them to keep a good balance between professional and family life. They should not work the same way as men as men have much lesser need to devote time everyday to family needs.

Source: http://www.onlymyhealth.com/women-occupational-stress-1271744658

Strategic Planning to Combat Occupational Stress

1. Individual Level Strategy Examples of individual and situational factors that can help to reduce the

effects of stressful working conditions include the following: • Balance between work and family or personal life • Create support network of friends and coworkers and talk out openly • Maintain relaxed and positive outlook/attitude • Change the motto - No one is perfect – perform the best • Have realistic expectations • Have a balanced diet • Practice relaxation and meditation • Have thorough medical check up at frequent intervals

2. Corporate Level Strategy

It is important to identify characteristics associated with both healthy, low-stress work and high levels of productivity

Recognition of employees for good work performance • Opportunities for career development • An organizational culture that values the individual

worker • Management actions that are consistent with

organizational values • Exposure to stressful working conditions (called job

stressors)

Corporate Stress Prevention Strategy

• Talk to individual employees, if possible or else to their first supervisors

• Hold group discussions with employees • Measure employee perceptions of job, working conditions,

stress, satisfaction• Design a survey method • Collect objective data • Analyze the data and identify the problem • Find out remedial measures

How to Change the Organization to Prevent Job Stress

• The workload should be in line with workers’ capabilities and resources

• Job design should stimulate and provide ample opportunities for workers to use their skills

• Clarity in workers’ roles and responsibilities • Worker’s participation in making decisions for those actions affecting

their interests • Improved channels of communication • Drawl of clear career development chart • Ensuring social interaction opportunities among workers  

Physical signs: Headaches, tense muscles in neck, shoulders, high blood pressure, insomnia, increased heart rate, increased production of perspiration, loss of appetite or over eating, cramps, constant fatigue, nausea, digestive disorders, ulcers, skin rashes, breathlessness, dry mouth

Emotional signs: easy to anger, irritable, mood swings, erratic behaviour, alienate colleagues, friends and family,, decreasing confidence, depression

Health Effects: High blood pressure and Heart Disease; Behavioural changes (cigarette use, alcohol and drug consumption); Anxiety (use of prescription drugs such as tranquilisers)

How Can We Recognise Stress And Stress Triggers?

Arguments, becoming aggressive in conflict situations Loss of self-confidence Loss of interest in personal appearance, other people, social

events or previously enjoyed activities Less productive over time Absenteeism Poor concentration, difficulty remembering and Poor decision

making Sadness, guilt, fatigue, apathy, and a pronounced feeling of

helplessness or failure Accidents Loss of job Family problems

What Are The Consequences Of Stress?

Organisational Stress affects the general morale of an organisation, resulting in both financial and personnel problems

Elements that can be measured Unexpected changes in levels of absenteeism among employees

Quality of production within organisation, with the emphasis on apparent decline

Number of work related accidents Number of work related health complaints

Measuring Organisational Stress

‘Society, the working world and daily life have changed almost beyond recognition in the past 50 years. These changes have contributed to a major increase in stress.’ Heller & Hindle

Changing society Increasing urbanisation Ageing populations Changing gender roles

Changing Organisations Responding to pressure Rethinking companies Changing operations Reaching the limits Encountering new work cultures

Changing PracticesUnderstanding new technologiesReassessing marketsRelocating officesDiversifying careers

The Causes of Stress

The 90/10 Principle

Author: Stephen CoveyDiscover the 90/10 Principle

It will change your life (or at least, the way you react to

situations)

What is this Principle?

10% of life is made upof what happens to you.

…90% of life is decided by how you react…

While some workplace stress is normal, excessive stress can interfere with your productivity and impact your physical and emotional health. And your ability to deal with it can mean the difference between success or failure. You can’t control everything in your work environment, but that doesn’t mean you’re powerless—even when you’re stuck in a difficult situation. Finding ways to manage workplace stress isn’t about making huge changes or rethinking career ambitions, but rather about focusing on the one thing that’s always within your control: you.

MANAGING STRESS

Your emotions are contagious, and stress has an impact on the quality of your interactions with others. The better you are at managing your own stress, the more you'll positively affect those around you, and the less other people's stress will negatively affect you.

MANAGING STRESS

THANK YOU