Occupational Stress

Occupational stress in today's work group

1. Occupational Stress Alan Peter Lal

2. Introduction Definition Occupational or work related – stress “is the response people may have when presented with work demands and pressures that are not matched to their knowledge and abilities and which challenge their ability to cope” Stressor - event which causes stress Stress - Body’s physiological response to the stressor Strain – Body’s longer term reaction to chronic stress

3. Causes Of Stress Shift work/Rotating schedules Downsizing/ Privitisation Contigent work Work Load/Time Pressure Harassment Mandatory Overtime Lack Of Job Security

4. How Stress Affect You.? Early Symptoms Of Stress Related Problem Include Physical Symptoms Headaches Stomach Problem Eating Disorder Fatigue Muscle Ache

5. Psychological Behavioral Anxiety Irritability Low Morale Depression Alcohol & Drug Use Feeling Powerless If Exposure To Stressors Continues Physical Condition Heart Disease Stroke Diabetes Asthma Immune System Disfunction

6. Gender Influence Both men and women are prone to same amount of stressors at workplace But the influence of stress is more upon females. Stress related outcome can be seen more in women. Causes of Stress in Women 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 Mentally weak Harassments

7. Managing the 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 Allocation of shifts to employees making sure that all employees are awarded shifts in rotation to avoid monotony in work timings and conditions 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.

8. 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. 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.

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. Longer Working Hours Try not to work long hour and ask whether flexible working hours are available. Enough sleep is essential. Accepting New Jobs Look out for only those jobs which you are actually interested in . Being the Boss Develop good rapport with employees and subordinates Lack of Enthusiasm New challenges and responsibilities should be taken up to maintain enthusiasm.

11. Methods to Combat Occupational Stress 1. Individual Basis 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 Have realistic expectations Have a balanced diet Practice relaxation and meditation Have thorough medical check up at frequent intervals

12. 2. Corporate Basis Praise and appraisals for employees. Opportunities for career development Talk to individual employees, if possible or else to their first supervisors Carry on group discussions with employees Measure employee perceptions of job, working conditions, stress, satisfaction for the employees Analyze the data and identify the problem Find out remedial measures

13. Thank You