Stress Down - Productivity Up
The holidays are now a distant memory, and we're all back into the daily grind.
It seems that the term 'stress' is used increasingly often when people describe their lives. We tend to view the 21st century as being highly pressured and demanding. Consequently, stress seems to be almost expected as part and parcel of any employment.
It is important to realise that a stressful working environment can be potentially very damaging. Significantly, the word 'stress' originates from the physics and engineering sector where it denotes "a force or situation with the potential to deform or distort an object".
When people are stressed their body parts react in certain ways to deal with the situation. The parts of our body required for prompt action are 'pepped up', and the activity of systems and functions that are not immediately necessary are decreased. For example, when stressed, it is not a priority for the body to expend energy digesting food or making antibodies. As a result, people who are constantly stressed often end up suffering from digestive disorders and a reduced immune tolerance. Furthermore, the effect of being perpetually anxious or fearful can take a real toll on people's mental and emotional well-being.
People under stress often behave in totally different ways to how they usually would. Unfortunately this means others may have difficulty relating to them, which in turn fuels the stressful situation even further, through a general lack of support and understanding.
A Proactive Preventative Approach
Employers have a responsibility to try and ensure an environment which is as stress-free as reasonably possible. Of course it's impossible to remove all uncertainties or problems in people's professional lives, but there are certain workplace ingredients which will either promote or reduce stress, and both employers and employees should be aware of these.
| Stress Promoters | Stress Reducers |
| Secretiveness | Trust |
| Power hierarchy | Networking |
| Rigidity | Involvement |
| Lack of trust | Openness |
| Insincerity | Honesty |
| Cynicism | Co-operation |
| Hostility | Flexibility |
| Destructively competitive rivalry | Acceptance |
| Lack of involvement | Mutual respect |
| Sincerity | |
| Enjoyment | |
| Fun |
Employers are, of course, duty bound to provide a safe and healthy working environment for employees. It is therefore fundamental for employers to ensure there are adequate support systems and procedures in place to try and minimise stress. Certainly, employers should promptly deal with stressful situations when they arise or are brought to their attention.
We should all keep in mind that if good working environments can be created, they will not only be more healthy and satisfying for employees, but they are also more likely to be productive and prosperous for the overall business too.
Thanks to Cullen Employment Law Firm
Contact for Enquiries
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
Pastoral House
25 The Terrace
PO Box 2526, Wellington
Tel: 0800 00 83 33
Fax: +64 4 894 0720
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