It is no secret that stress and related disorders are the most frequent cause of employee disability (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health). As far back as 1992, a United Nations report called job stress a "world wide epidemic.
Control of workplace stress is a leadership responsibility. Good leaders who recognize the symptoms of stress can control situations to create more desirable workplaces and to improve both productivity and the bottom line.
Corporate leaders who have served in the military recognize employee stress when they observe symptoms such as:
1 Anxiety
2 Indecisiveness
3 Irritability
4 Complaining
5 Forgetfulness
6 Loss of self confidence
7 Argumentativeness
8 Insomnia
9 Rapid emotional shifts
10 Physical exhaustion
Symptoms such as these cost companies billions of dollars each year in health care costs, absenteeism, accidents, quality control, personnel turnover, and various interpersonal relationship problems.
Some managers mistakenly try to control stressful problems by increasing demands and supervising details. Increased urgency and focus on details typically generates even more stress. The problems shift from slight distractions, such as back pain, headaches, and inattention, to more drastic reactions such as absenteeism and medical problems, both good indicators that stress levels need attention.
Just as in the Army, most business leaders must be taught to manage stress and to observe for negative stress reactions. All managers need to understand the importance of positive stress in maximizing accuracy and productivity. And they need to know how to control the negative stress for the benefit of those involved and the bottom line.
If you don't have qualified staff in your company, outside consultants and trainers can help you evaluate current stress levels and train everyone involved. Remember, stress control is a leadership responsibility.
Get my article about controlling the top ten workplace stressors by sending blank email MailTo:10stressors@couragebuilders.com
Copyright 2005
You may edit this article for length or content to fit your space and audience requirements and publish electronically or in print free of charge. Include my full byline and add a hyperlink for web postings. When you publish, please send a courtesy link or email to collie@couragebuilders.com
Dale Collie (MailTo:collie@couragebuilders.com) speaker, author, and former US Army Ranger, CEO,and professor at West Point. Selected by "Fast Company" as one of America's Fast 50 innovative leaders. Author of "Frontline Leadership: From War Room to Boardroom," and "Winning Under Fire: Turn Stress into Success the US Army Way." (McGraw-Hill) http://www.couragebuilders.com
personalized cleaning services Des Plaines ..Too much driving, too much shopping, too much rushing around,... Read More
One question that is not asked enough by people under... Read More
Adversity is an unavoidable part of life. Death of a... Read More
Stress relief and managementRecognizing stress symptoms can be a positive... Read More
* Play Romane's stress control seminar recordings, and read "The... Read More
The fall season signals a shift in most people's minds.... Read More
When a great Zen Master returned to his country after... Read More
IntroductionTime magazine called stress the "The Epidemic of the Eighties".... Read More
Seems like more and more they are all around us.... Read More
While free-lancing for business magazines, I was assigned to write... Read More
A little stress is good for us until it becomes... Read More
Have you ever said the words, "This job/my life is... Read More
"Let your mind be quiet, realizing the beauty of the... Read More
June is the month of the honey moon. Custom holds... Read More
I learned a valuable lesson recently. A short while ago,... Read More
Everyone knows that stress isn't good - that it can... Read More
Author and speaker H. Stephen Glenn has said,"In terms of... Read More
Have you recently moved or started a new job? Do... Read More
Do you feel tense and anxious at work? Do your... Read More
ExcusesWe all have them. It amazes me how creative I... Read More
The moment I read the story I'm about to share... Read More
Lake Hopatcong, NJ (PRWEB) November 30, 2004 -- Here are... Read More
As tools for change are discussed, one tool - that... Read More
Have you ever said the words, "This job/my life is... Read More
This summer, get away, without going away. Take a mini... Read More
family-safe home cleaners Arlington Heights ..Tough leaders are usually seen as ogres. Their exacting demands... Read More
There are two types of anxiety:*Situational *Existential.Most of us experience... Read More
First, let's make a distinction between pressure and stress. We... Read More
No need to go spend money at a spa! There... Read More
Did you know that more than half of our adult... Read More
I hope by reading this article you will see the... Read More
When it is all said and done, do you feel... Read More
Feeling stressed out lately? Don't worry, there is a simple... Read More
Picture the following scene:It's Sunday evening, the weekend is winding... Read More
If you suffer from insomnia of any kind, the chances... Read More
Most people know of the importance of exercise as a... Read More
Many people go through the motions during Christmas. If not... Read More
This summer, get away, without going away. Take a mini... Read More
I have yet to see a scientist talk about the... Read More
Work related tensions, personal issues and abnormal lifestyles are the... Read More
Deadlines at work, demanding bosses, bills to be paid at... Read More
1. The Law of StagnationThis is also known as first... Read More
Modern stress is habitual, and is something that the vast... Read More
Today's workplace produces plenty of stress. Life's little hassles mount... Read More
Adversity is an unavoidable part of life. Death of a... Read More
In the body, the stress response is mediated by the... Read More
Most humans experience unexpected setbacks which can cause huge stress... Read More
Learn to have healthy relationships:This subject could fill an entire... Read More
Punch a pillowScream into a pillowTurn on your favorite music... Read More
What do you do when you wake up in the... Read More
Stress Management |