Presented by: Achievers Workplace Stress Presented by: Achievers

What is stress?? Anything that poses a threat to you Our response to that situation or threat Fight or Flight?

Now, What is work place stress?? When the task doesn’t match the person What workplace stress is NOT Dissatisfaction Lack of commitment Incompetence

Transaction Stress Model Primary appraisal Secondary appraisal Active or avoidant coping (Fight or flight?)

Causes of Workplace Stress Lack of control Weak or ineffective management Poor working environment

Causes of Stress Many employees are feeling burnout. The weak economy is causing many companies to try to accomplish equal or even more work with fewer employees Many of the contributing factors to feeling burnout at work are: Role Ambiguity Workload Control/Empowerment Support

Burnout Reaction to chronic work stress Emotional exhaustion Disengagement

Employer-Employee Morale One of the biggest factors of employer-employee morale is how the two parties view different issues. About 75% of employers feel that their employees are satisfied with their jobs, while only 50% of employees feel the same way. 32% of employees are actively seeking employment with another company, while only 13% of employers believe that their employees are looking for other jobs. When asked what was their most desired benefit, 45% of employees chose professional development opportunities as their most desired benefit; however, most employers do not do this very often.

Affects on Organization Absenteeism Staff over rated Low productivity

Effects of Stress in the Workplace Absenteeism- unscheduled or unauthorized absence from work. Presenteeism- lost productivity that occurs when employees come to work ill and perform below average. Employee turnover- the number or percentage of workers who leave an organization and are replaced by new employees.

Top 5 Reasons for Employee Turnover Not enough professional development opportunities Poor compensation Boredom Poor work/life balance Stress and unfair treatment

What Can Organizations Do About Workplace Stress?

Change The Organization of Work Organization of Work: "the way jobs are designed and performed, and the organizational practices that influence job design”(Organization of Work The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health NIOSH)

Change the Organization of Work through Stress Related Programs Staff appraisals where stress is discussed Health and safety risk assessments that Incorporate stress-related factors Management stress awareness training Work-life balance initiatives

Start with Staff Appraisals About Stress Example Face-to-face interviews with the staff Interviewer uses a systematic questionnaire/ occupational stress indicator Lets management know what’s stressing employees Gives employees a chance to vent Increases employee involvement Can backfire if action is not taken

Health and Safety Risk Assessments with Stress Addressed Assess the mental strain of the job Reduce the information- process requirements of simple jobs Limit information and memorization that the job requires Provide adequate lighting Easy-to-understand gauges and displays Simple-to-operate equipment Clear instructions Increase the autonomy and social support for more difficult jobs Continued

Health and Safety Risk Assessments with Stress Addressed (cont.) Stress reducing health initiatives Wellness programs: comprise of workshops that teach employees how to implement stress reducing individual behaviors, such as losing weight, exercising, and giving up smoking Employee assistance programs: helps employees deal with personal problems that might adversely impact their work performance, health, and well-being

Management Stress Awareness Training Managers should: Give assistance and guidance when necessary Be familiar with the meaning, causes, and coping strategies. (which are being addressed in this discussion) Recognize physiological and psychological signs of stress Loss or gain of substantial weight Erratic attendance Increased accidents Emotional instability Changes in behavior

Work-Life Balance Initiatives Dependent care On-site child care Work-family workshops Family leave Flexible scheduling

Power Naps, Company Yoga, & Wellness Centers New Techniques that Organizations are Using to Improve Workplace Stress: Power Naps, Company Yoga, & Wellness Centers

Power Naps Studies have shown that naps improve memory function Allows employees to reboot and energize to tackle the remaining work load for the day Helps the body catch up on sleep deprivation Job stress increases potential disease, and cells do not repair well with little energy; napping will improve cell repair.

Increase mental clarity Boost productivity Improve memory Company Yoga Effects Conference Room Yoga Increase mental clarity Boost productivity Improve memory Companies use basements and conference room areas for yoga classes 1 hour sessions 3 days a week Other areas: Lawns, break rooms, and storage areas.

Company Yoga Yoga Retreats Company Gym Yoga 2 day corporate team- building retreat Includes active relaxation yoga Hiking and Sports Team-building exercise Interact on social level with co- workers Companies: Nike, Pepsi, HBO, & Google Offer gym membership as opposed to installing a gym on site. Helps employees stay in shape and relax.

Onsite Wellness Centers Lower health cost, absenteeism, and workplace stress Helps benefit the organization’s productivity and morale. The program helps employees by concentrating on certain goals and needs

Personal Techniques for Dealing with Stress Stay Healthy Diet Exercise Sleep Good time management Prioritize work tasks Break large tasks into smaller tasks Take regular breaks Break bad work habits sloppy e-mail communication improper use of work time

Questions??