Executive stress has increased lately.

Impact of advanced

information technology has

led to TECHNOSTRESS.

Increased diversification of the workforce may lead to unique stress problems.

Workers increasingly pressed into overtime work show significantly higher levels of stress.

A recent EU report indicates that stress is the second most common occupational health complaint after back pain.

BAD stress may be because of office politics, red tape, and a stalled career.

GOOD stress is because of challenges that come with increased job responsibility, time pressure, and high-quality assignments.

“Tense energy” is a stress-driven state characterized by a constant sense of pressure and anxiety.

“Calm energy” is a stress free “flow” state characterized by low muscle tension, an alert presence of mind, peaceful body feelings, increased creative intelligence, physical vitality, and a deep sense of well-being.

THE CAUSES OF STRESS

EXTRA ORGANIZATIONAL STRESSORS

Societal/technological change, globalization, the family, relocation, economic and financial conditions, race and class, and residential or community conditions.

The phenomenal rate of change has had a great effect on people’s lifestyles.

A family situation---either a brief crisis, such as a squabble or the illness of a family member, or long-term strained relations with parents, spouses, or children---can act as a significant stressor for employees.

Relocating the family because of transfer or a promotion can also lead to stress.

Expatriate managers may undergo cultural shock and when repatriated may experience isolation.

Financial situation may force a person to take a second job, or allow the spouse to enter the workforce.

Divorce interferes with work more than any other trauma in a person’s life.

Condition of housing, convenience of services and shopping, neighborliness, and degree of noise and air pollution are likely stressors.

Conflict at workplace creates stress.

Social Support: The amount of helpfulness derived from social relationships.

Coping: The

process of managing

stress.

Stress-Reduction TechniquesStress-Reduction TechniquesMuscle relaxationMuscle relaxationUses slow deep breathing and systematic muscle tension reduction to Uses slow deep breathing and systematic muscle tension reduction to reduce stress.reduce stress. Inexpensive andInexpensive and easy to use :may require a trained professional to easy to use :may require a trained professional to implementimplement

MeditationMeditationThe relaxation response is activated by redirecting one’s thoughts away The relaxation response is activated by redirecting one’s thoughts away from oneself; Least expensive, simple to implement, and can be practiced from oneself; Least expensive, simple to implement, and can be practiced almost anywhere.almost anywhere.

Cognitive restructuring :Cognitive restructuring :Irrational or maladaptive thoughts are identified and replaced with those Irrational or maladaptive thoughts are identified and replaced with those that are rational or logical.that are rational or logical.Expensive because it requires a trained psychologist or counselorExpensive because it requires a trained psychologist or counselor

Holistic wellness :Holistic wellness :A broad, interdisciplinary approach that goes beyond stress reduction byA broad, interdisciplinary approach that goes beyond stress reduction by advocating that people strive for personal wellness in all aspects of their advocating that people strive for personal wellness in all aspects of their liveslivesInvolves inexpensive but often behaviorally difficult lifestyle changesInvolves inexpensive but often behaviorally difficult lifestyle changes