stress

in your life
dealing with stress in the workplace

Introduction

Research shows that many adults in the labour force identify that workplace stress is a significant issue for them.

This has major consequences for individual employees as well as for employers.

High Cost of Workplace Stress

Many studies report that excessive workplace stress leads to high costs for the organization as well as for the employees in terms of their overall health.

Organizational Stress

A significant amount of workplace stress that employees identify is related to how the organization functions as a workplace, otherwise known as organizational culture.

Dealing with organizational stress requires commitment from all parties as well as long term solutions.

Organizational Stress
It is beyond the scope of this brief presentation to address this important issue. However, workplaces are encouraged to take steps to look at their organizational culture as a source of workplace stress. For more information go to:
Best Advice on Stress Risk Management in the Workplace (part 1 and part 2) www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hppb/ahi/workplace/resources.htm

Individuals and Workplace Stress

On the other hand, some sources of workplace stress can be addressed by individual employees.

Two common stressors experienced by employees are:

traveling to and from work managing interruptions at work

Traveling To and From Work

Common daily hassles for many are dealing with aggressive or inattentive drivers and slow-moving traffic.

You cant control traffic but you can try the following suggestions:
Give yourself more time to make the drive so that time lines arent so tight. Listen to relaxing tapes while driving. Compile a tape of your favourite music that has a calming effect on you.

Traveling To and From Work

When stopped in traffic or at a red light, try a simple relaxation technique to reduce body tension: - raise your shoulders gently to your ears, hold and then let go - relax by feeling the weight of your arms pulling down.

Traveling To and From Work

When you encounter an aggressive driver take deep breaths and continue to drive safely. Remember that you cant change the behaviour of the aggressive driver but you can change your reaction to it.

Managing Interruptions
Interruptions take up valuable time and disturb your concentration.

It has been estimated that 1 hour of concentrated work is worth 4 hours of interrupted time.

Phone calls and casual droppers by are 2 major sources of interruptions.

Managing Interruptions

Try to limit phone calls to 3 minutes. If more time or clarification is required, use other communication methods such as e-mail, fax or a memo.

Learn how to end a phone call successfully once the issue has been resolved, or on an action point.

Managing Interruptions
Establish quiet hours when you can work undisturbed.
If you dont have an office, place a green or red flag where it can be seen as people approach.
If you have an office, put up a calendar that identifies your quiet hours.

Make sure to communicate your reasons for having quiet hours to your supervisor and others. When possible, arrange meetings away from your work area so you can take control and leave the meeting when you have to.

Managing Interruptions

Remember
When it comes to interrupting others, it is important to practice what you preach. Think twice before you interrupt somebody else!

Self-Learning Quiz
Questions
Workplace stress is a significant issue for many adults. (true or false) What are two common stressors experienced by many employees in the workplace? It is recommended that you take short, shallow breaths when you encounter an aggressive driver. (true or false)

Answers for Self-Learning Quiz

Q1: Workplace stress is a significant issue for many adults. (true or false)

True

Workplace stress is a significant issue for many adults in the labour force.

Answers for Self-Learning Quiz

Q2: What are two common stressors experienced by many employees in the workplace?

Traveling to and from work.

Managing interruptions at work.

Answers for Self-Learning Quiz

Q3: It is recommended that you take short, shallow breaths when you encounter an aggressive driver. (true or false)

False
It is recommended that you take deep breaths when you encounter an aggressive driver to help you calm down.

To Find Out More

For more information on Stress Management, contact the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit 258-2146 x 3100. Ask for the latest brochure and newsletter from Live Better. Live Longer. Workplace Health Promotion Program.