Job Stress and the Future Work Environment. Oliver Huntley Ryan Latham Matt Whitlock Nicole Levy Brian Lucas

Transcription

1 Job Stress and the Future Work Environment Oliver Huntley Ryan Latham Matt Whitlock Nicole Levy Brian Lucas

2 What is Job Stress? The nature of work is changing at whirlwind speed. Perhaps now more than ever before, job stress poses a threat to the health of workers and, in turn, to the health organizations Job stress can be defined as the harmful physical and emotional responses that occur when the requirements of the job do not match the capabilities, resources, or needs of the worker. Job stress can lead to poor health and even injury

3 Causes of Job Stress Comes from interactions of the worker and conditions of work -Worker Characteristics -Working conditions or environment **Different ways to approach the situation Results when job requirements don t match -Capabilities -Resources -or Needs of worker

4 Effects of Stress Regarding Health The Mind Confusion, irritability, mood swings, psychological disorders, suicide.

5 Effects of Stress Regarding Health The Body Aching muscles, loss of appetite, restless sleep, and a complete sense of exhaustion, cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders, workplace injury, cancer, ulcers, and impaired immune function.

6 Effects of Stress Regarding Health Emotions Feeling fearful or threatened, suffering from exhaustion, raised levels of aggression and hostility or fear, nervousness and anxiety, feeling detached from reality.

7 Effects of Stress Regarding Productivity Working Environment How the senses perceive the environment. Team Cohesion Stress reducing team work. Moral Stress lowering spirits.

8 Current Stress Management Approaches

9 Current Stats One-fourth of employees view their jobs as the number one stressor in their lives Three-fourths of employees believe that the worker has more onthe-job stress than a generation ago Problems at work are more strongly associated with health complaints than are any other life stressor; more so than even financial or family problems

10 Expectations of Employers on Employees Work loads and expected productivity is increasing Satisfying customers wants/needs versus following company policy

11 What is going wrong? Trying to treat symptoms but not the problem itself Ignoring root causes of stress Focusing on the workers but not on their environment The entire company has to change its stress policy not just one area of the company The beneficial effects on stress symptoms are often short lived

12 Example of Job Stress Management Small Service Organization Detection of Problems Rising level of tension, job dissatisfaction, and headaches Lowering of Morale among workers In depth analysis of problems Unrealistic Deadlines Low support levels from supervisors Lack of worker involvement in decisions-making Solutions Greater employee participation in scheduling More meetings between management and employees Updates on developing problems Reducing unrealistic deadlines

13 Future of Stress Management in the Workplace

14 Formula For Success Organizational Change + Stress Management = Healthy Workplace

15 Identify and Act Recognize problems early Signs of job stress Low morale, health and job complaints, and employee turnover Identify and act Support Network Balancing work and personal life Stress management specialists Counselors on site

16 Relaxed and Positive Environment: Organizational Create organizational culture that values the individual worker Build general awareness about job stress Causes, costs, control, etc. Secure top management commitment and support from program Incorporate employee input and involvement in all phases Stress Programs and Methods Environmental control Lower environmental stress factors Break activities Fitness, gym, etc. Relaxation Yoga, stress reduction, massages, acupuncture Actions

17 Relaxed and Positive Environment: Management Actions Ensure that the workload is in line with workers capabilities and resources Design jobs to provide meaning, stimulations, and opportunities for workers to use their skills Clearly define roles/responsibilities Provide opportunities for social interaction Advocate career development

18 Relaxed and Positive Environment: Management Actions Cont. Compatible work schedule to meet demands of responsibilities outside the workplace Recognition for superior performance Actions consistent with organizational values Team/Employee check-ups

19 Relaxed and Positive Environment: Employee Open forum for suggestions/complaints Communication among co-workers Active involvement in organizational initiatives Actions

20 Thank you Any Questions or Comments?