Occupational stress

stress management occupational stress

1. Onkar R. Satam Occupational Stress Stress Management

2. Definition Physical 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

3. Effects of Occupational Stress Psychological and behavioral problems Anxiety Irritability Alcohol and Drug Use Feeling Powerless Low Morale

4. 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.

5. Managing Occupational Stress New Technology Stress 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 Work A llocation of shifts to employees making sure that all employees are awarded shifts in rotation to avoid monotony in work timings and conditions

6. Longer Working Hours Try not to work long hour and ask whether flexible working hours are available . Enough sleep is essential. Deadlines Set realistic goals and targets which are achievable in the given time frame with optimum effort . Commuting to Work Try 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.

7. Working Conditions Organizations need to provide with good lighting, ventilation, washroom facilities, rest rooms, first aid, canteen etc to ensure hygienic and safe working conditions. Bad Communication Improve 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.

8. Being the Boss Develop 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 Syndrome It 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 Enthusiasm Monotony in job needs to be avoided. New challenges and responsibilities should be taken up to maintain enthusiasm.

9. Job Satisfaction Try 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 Security The 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 . Boredom Try 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.

10. Occupational Stress and Gender According to a study conducted jointly by University of the Witwatersand , 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. http://web.ba.ntu.edu.tw/luolu/Occupational%20stress%20and%20gender-A%20cross-cultural%20study.pdf

11. Women and Occupational Stress Causes 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 Women Psychological problems D epressive symptoms, insomnia, dissatisfaction, irritability, rage, anxiety, fearfulness, feelings of guilt and shame and withdrawal

12. Physical problems C oronary 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

13. 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

14. 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)

15. 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

16. 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  

17. Thank You