Approaches To Work Stress - Essay Example

TABLE OF CONTENT INTRODUCTION TO STRESS DEFINATION OF WORK STRESS CAUSES AND SIGNS OF WORK STRESS TWO APPROACHES OF WORK STRESS COMPARISON AND CONTRAST BETWEEN STRESS MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE REFERENCE APPROACHES TO WORK STRESS What is stress? Stress can be defined as mental, physical or emotional strain or suppressing condition which is caused due to external influence which effects an individual and destroys physical health of a person such as increase in blood pressure and irritability and muscular tension. It is a factor causing mental or emotional strain which leads to depression. Work stress:- it can be defined as dreadful physical and emotional responses that take place when the work requirements are not fulfilled and the individual is not satisfied by his work . In other way work stress can also be defined as overload of work at workplace, a sense of efficiency or satisfaction is turned into feelings of tension . the worker feels completely tired psychologically, physically and mentally. These are the causes for work stress:- A major factor causing stress is poor communication with the co- workers and indifferent behavior Due to environmental changes such as pollution and different climatic conditions. Work conditions that are very risky for physical health Work which exceeds more than 40 hours per week Taking infrequent breaks during working hours and having poor social environment These are the signs which shows that a person is effected by work stress:- Irritation Blood pressure Short temper Headache Sleep disturbance The two approaches to work stress are as follows:- 1. Stress Management:- it is technique introduced to help someone to cope up with or improve physical and emotional effects of every days life pressure. Most of the companies offer stress management system for their employees to over come the workload . Stress management in companies offers its employees a helpline to discuss work-related stress issues and other problems. The service is available to family members too. Face-to-face counseling is available for all staff 2. Organizational Change:- it is defined as when a company identifies stressful aspects of work and improving working conditions to eliminate or reduce the identified stressors The concept of organizational change when applied in business and management mainly refers to planned, organization-wide change. Even though , the concept can seem so wide and common in nature that it can be hard to keep perspective . organizational change involves modifying a program, restructuring operations. Basically organizational change in a company is brought to change the system. Most of the companies in the world are opting to take these decisions to overcome the stress and bring changes in the management. stress management and organizational changes are the two major approaches to overcome stress in work place. management is often uncomfortable with the "organizational change"   because it involves changes in work loads, work routines, work schedules,  work production, or changes in the organizational structure.  As a general rule, however,  it takes organizational change to improve working conditions, and it takes improved  working conditions to reduce job stress.  And it takes reduced to job stress to boost  morale and retain workers. Comparison between the two approaches:- Both the approaches that is stress management and organizational change can be compared because both the approaches deals with reducing work load Stress management training may rapidly reduce stress symptoms such as anxiety and sleep disturbances; it also has the advantage of being inexpensive and easy to implement. However, stress management programs have two major disadvantages: The beneficial effects on stress symptoms are often short-lived. They often ignore important root causes of stress because they focus on the worker and not the environment Where as organizational change is the direct way to eliminate stress. In contrast to stress management training many companies are trying to reduce job stress by bringing in a consultant to recommend ways to improve working conditions. This approach is the most direct form to reduce stress at work. It involves the identification of stressful aspects of work (e.g., excessive workload, conflicting expectations) and the design of strategies to eliminate the identified stressors. The advantage of this approach is that it deals directly with the main causes of stress at work. However, managers are sometimes uncomfortable with this approach because it can involve changes in work routines or production schedules, or changes in the organizational structure. As a general rule, actions to reduce job stress should give more importance to organizational change to improve working conditions. But if the most pain staking efforts to improve working conditions are unlikely to eliminate stress completely for all workers. For this reason, a combination of organizational change and stress management is often the most useful approach for preventing stress at work. Management is often uncomfortable with the "organizational change"  approach because it can involve changes in work loads, work routines, work schedules,  work production, or changes in the organizational structure.  As a general rule, however,  it takes organizational change to improve working conditions, and it takes improved  working conditions to reduce job stress.  And it takes reduced to job stress to boost  morale and retain workers. These approaches make sure that :- Make sure that the workload is in line with workers capabilities and resources. Design jobs to provide meaning, stimulation, and opportunities for workers to use their skills. Clearly define workers roles and responsibilities. Give workers opportunities to participate in decisions and actions affecting their jobs. Improve communications-reduce uncertainty about career development and future employment prospects. Provide opportunities for social interaction among workers. Establish work schedules that are compatible with demands and responsibilities outside the job. Who’s most at risk? People with the following conditions or characteristics are at a higher-than-average risk for developing a stress disorder. 1.Women are at greater risk when compared to men 2. It is seen more in older people and children 3.People with the following personality traits: neurotic, extroverted, poor self- confidence, past history of psychiatric problems 4.Genetic predisposition 5. It may cause due to guilt or shame 6.Lack of social support or financial security 7.Early separation from parents, childhood neglect 8.Alcoholic parents 9. the major reason behind it is poverty Thus the two approaches to overcome work stress taken into consideration are stress management and organizational change. Reference:-Hospitality and healthcare system-Russell L. colling. Read More