Good Stress, Bad Stress
In the workplace, there are many times where stress can be a
positive emotion. It can equal production, causing workers to meet
deadlines, find new leads and clients, and drive sales. Over the last
30 years, thanks to technology, our work has become even easier to do
with our gadgets, software and ’round-the-clock access to information.
positive emotion. It can equal production, causing workers to meet
deadlines, find new leads and clients, and drive sales. Over the last
30 years, thanks to technology, our work has become even easier to do
with our gadgets, software and ’round-the-clock access to information.
But negative stress can overwhelm us with extreme levels of
pressure, making it almost impossible to work productively. Many family
and home life stressors can affect your performance dramatically. Large
scale stressors can include: home foreclosure; a child not succeeding
in school; a relative with a substance abuse problem; divorce or
separation; caring for an elderly, sick or disabled relative; natural
disasters; death in the family; or even giving birth.
pressure, making it almost impossible to work productively. Many family
and home life stressors can affect your performance dramatically. Large
scale stressors can include: home foreclosure; a child not succeeding
in school; a relative with a substance abuse problem; divorce or
separation; caring for an elderly, sick or disabled relative; natural
disasters; death in the family; or even giving birth.
Stress Equals the Job
Many times, it is not problems at home causing the stress. Often,
the root of stress is the job itself. Studies conducted by the National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health show ongoing stress
ultimately leads to chronic health problems, such as cardiovascular
disease, muscular conditions and psychological disorders. It can cost
you your health and employers billions annually as they try to pick up
the pieces from constant absenteeism, instability and high turnovers.
the root of stress is the job itself. Studies conducted by the National
Institute for Occupational Safety and Health show ongoing stress
ultimately leads to chronic health problems, such as cardiovascular
disease, muscular conditions and psychological disorders. It can cost
you your health and employers billions annually as they try to pick up
the pieces from constant absenteeism, instability and high turnovers.
“There are several things that can cause negative stress in the
workplace,” says Harrison Allen III, a human resources and employee
relations expert in Seattle, with more than 30 years of experience.
“These stressors include co-worker challenges, work environment,
compensation issues, discrimination, even supervisors.”
workplace,” says Harrison Allen III, a human resources and employee
relations expert in Seattle, with more than 30 years of experience.
“These stressors include co-worker challenges, work environment,
compensation issues, discrimination, even supervisors.”
Getting Help–EAP Programs
Surprisingly, many employees are unaware that the ability to
manage stress may be right under their noses. Many large corporations
and organizations in the United States offer comprehensive Employee
Assistance Programs (EAPs). Usually within these EAPs are sub-programs
for stress management and stress reduction.
manage stress may be right under their noses. Many large corporations
and organizations in the United States offer comprehensive Employee
Assistance Programs (EAPs). Usually within these EAPs are sub-programs
for stress management and stress reduction.
“Comprehensive EAPs, also referred to as staff resource centers,
are primarily established to assist20employees to stay healthy, both
physically and mentally,” Allen says. “Many organizations recognize
that stress can have a detrimental effect on employee productivity.
Progressive organizations understand the value of having effective
assistance programs because it has been proved repeatedly that healthy
employees are more productive. The better programs assist employees to
make healthy lifestyle changes by providing programs such as exercise,
diet, information, one-on-one counseling and substance abuse.”
are primarily established to assist20employees to stay healthy, both
physically and mentally,” Allen says. “Many organizations recognize
that stress can have a detrimental effect on employee productivity.
Progressive organizations understand the value of having effective
assistance programs because it has been proved repeatedly that healthy
employees are more productive. The better programs assist employees to
make healthy lifestyle changes by providing programs such as exercise,
diet, information, one-on-one counseling and substance abuse.”
These stress management programs are available to every employee and some include innovative, holistic components, such as:
- psychotherapy
- hypnosis for smoking cessation
- Kundalini yoga
- grief counseling
- mental health assessment and referrals
- exercise classes
- massage therapy
- seminars, workshops and classes on relaxation, time management and personal budgeting
A good stress management program within an EAP will also have
staff members trained to teach stress reduction. These staffers will be
able to show employees there are many simple things they can do to
reduce stress on the job:
staff members trained to teach stress reduction. These staffers will be
able to show employees there are many simple things they can do to
reduce stress on the job:
- Be more proactive. Learn how to communicate effectively with
your co-workers, managers and supervisors, even if it means standing up
for yourself. - Get up, get out. When stress begins to build, sometimes leaving
the scene can do a world of good. Getting fresh air and going for a
walk, taking a few minutes for meditation, even listening to soothing
music are quick and simple stress reducers. - Laugh. This is always the best medicine and a great way to
reduce stress. A joke, a funny story or silly picture can always put a
smile on your face and may even get a chuckle or two.
– A.K. Cabell
