Tag Stress In The Workplace Presentation1

STRESS IN THE WORKPLACE
Douglas L. Griest, Ph.D.
Management Psychology Group
Peter Thomas, Ph.D.
Private Practice
March 3, 2010

Presentation Objectives
To provide an overview of the following:
1. What is Stress?
2. How does it affect us?
3. The effect of the current economic turndown
4. How can we cope with stress as individuals and as organizations?

Measure Your Stress DOLPHIN STRESS TEST On the next slide is a picture of two dolphins, which appear normal when viewed by a stress-free individual. This test is not accurate enough to pick up mild stress levels. If there is anything that appears different about the dolphins (ignore the fact of the slight color differences) it is often an indication of potential stress related problems. Differences, if any, may also indicate the source of your stress.

Measure Your Stress DOLPHIN STRESS TEST INSTRUCTIONS Sit upright and view the screen head-on, take a deep breath, breathe out and then look directly at the picture on the next slide. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, you should consider taking things a little easier.

If you see anything other than two dolphins, take a few days off and unwind…

The Definition of Stress

Identifying Stressors
What are some of the things that cause stress for people?
These things are called “stressors”.
Stressors are different from one person to another.

NOT ALL STRESS IS BAD
Eustress = Positive stress
Stress in these circumstances is pleasurable even though it involves placing physical and mental stress on the body.
Examples : Exercise, successful completion of a challenging task.
Results : Enabled concentration, increased performance, motivation and energy.

BUT SOME STRESS IS…
Distress = Negative stress
The type of stress usually referred to in everyday conversation; “I’m stressed out!”
Examples: Heavy workload, infrequent rest breaks, long work hours; hectic and routine tasks that have little inherent meaning, little sense of control over outcomes.
Results: Loss of motivation, reduced effectiveness, physical, mental, and behavioral problems.

Performance Stress Low - - Too little stress + Too much stress High + STRESS – PERFORMANCE CURVE

Understanding Your Core Personality and How Personality Relates to Stress

Core Personality and its Relation to Stress
The Five Factor Model
(Big 5)

Core Personality and its Relation to Stress
Sociability
Emotionality
Conscientiousness
Agreeableness
Openness to Experience

What is Stress?
Stress can be interpreted in a variety of ways:
Psychologically : As a state of anxiety produced when events and responsibilities exceed one’s coping abilities.
HELP ME!

What is Stress?
Physically : Increased heart rate, blood pressure, rapid breathing, and sweating.

What is Stress?
Emotionally : Depression, anger, fatigue, fright, worry, and even elation.

What is Stress?
Behaviorally :
Overeating or loss of appetite Impatience Change of sleep pattern Procrastination Alcohol and drug abuse Increased smoking Withdrawal or isolation from others Neglect of responsibility

Behaviorally at work
Absenteeism
Accidents
Poor morale
Impaired cognitive functioning
Poor decision making
Lower creativity
Burnout
Workplace violence
Poor job performance

APA’s Stress in America Survey
On-line survey of 1791 adults with an oversample of 243 residing in Atlanta
Survey averaged 26 minutes in length
Survey conducted between June 2008 and
August 2008

Key Findings
36% of Atlanta workers vs. 30 % nationally rated their stress level as extreme (8,9,or 10 on a 10 point scale)
During periods of high stress Atlanta residents reported levels equal to national average (7.1 Atlanta, 7.0 nationally)
Nearly 3 in 10 Atlantans said they had managed their stress poorly in past month

Key Findings
While 50% of Atlanta workers say they would recommend their workplace to others (44% nationally), 37% were intending to seek new employment vs. 32% nationally
51% of Atlantans mention lack of growth or advancement opportunity vs. 43% nationally

Key Findings
38% of Atlantans mentioned commuting having a significant impact on work stress vs. 31% nationally
81% nationally say they manage stress well vs. 73% of Atlantans with 27% saying they handled stress poorly.
Nevertheless 20% of Atlantans say stress level has decreased in past year vs. 14% nationally (this does not taken into account the recent downturn.

Stress in Atlanta
More people in Atlanta identify as significant stressors:
1. Money (80% vs. 72% nationally)
2. Relationships (68% vs. 59% nationally)
3. Housing costs (56% vs. 47% nationally)
4. Personal safety (42% vs. 31% nationally)

Other common stressors in America
The economy
Family responsibilities
Family Health problems
Personal Health problems
Job stability

How Atlantans Handle Stress
Spend time with friends and family (52% vs. 41%)
Pray (45% vs. 37%)
Play sports (18% vs. 9%)
Get a massage (15% vs. 9%)

American Stress Reducers
Atlanta Nation vs. Atlanta
1. Listen to music (52% vs. 52%)
2. Exercise or Walk (47% vs. 48%)
3. Read (44% vs. 47%)
4. Watch TV/Movies 2 hrs. plus (41% vs. 45%)
5. Nap (38% vs. 40%)
6. Video games/surf net) (37% vs. 38%)
7. Eat (34% vs. 37%)
8. Hobbies (30% vs. 34%)

American Stress Reducers
Atlanta Nation vs. Atlanta
9. Religious services (21% vs. 24%)
10.Alcohol (18% vs. 18%)
11.Shop (18% vs. 22%)
12. Smoke (16% vs. 17%)
13. Do nothing (8% vs. 12%)
14. Meditation/Yoga (8% vs. 6%)
15. See mental health prof. (7% vs. 6%)
16. Gamble (4% vs. 2%)

Stress in the Workplace
Sense of Powerlessness
a. Helplessness
b. Hopelessness
c. Unfairness
Poorly defined job description
Being a “Square Peg in a Round Hole”
Traumatic Events on the job
Stress due to the Physical Environment

The Effects of Stress on the Body
Can damage the brain & impair memory
Raises blood pressure
Stimulates the production on inflammatory hormones that can:
a. contribute to plaque in the arteries
b. increase risk of heart disease
b. aggravate painful joints
Trigger symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome

The Effects of Stress on the Body
Damage the DNA of immune system causing early aging.
Aggravate diabetes
Destroy relationships at:
a. home
b. work
c. play

A Healthy Workplace Promotes
Employee Involvement
Health and Safety
Employee Growth and Development
Work-Life Balance
Employee Recognition

Benefits of a Psychologically Healthy Workplace
Promotes employee health and well-being while enhancing Organizational performance
Rewards the employer and employee alike even in tough economic times
Some of the ways this is accomplished are through Employee participation in decision-making, Skills training, Leadership development, Flexible work arrangements, & Promotion of healthy life style and behavior choices

APA Psychological Healthy Workplace Awards (http://www.phwa.org)
Five organizations received this award in 2009 and found:
1. They had an 11% turnover rate
compared to the national rate of 39%
2. Only 25% vs. 39% nationally
experienced chronic work stress

APA Psychological Healthy Workplace Awards
3. 85% vs. 61% nationally were satisfied
with their job
4. 87% vs. 44% nationally would
recommend their organization to
others as a good place to work
5. 5% vs. 32% were seeking employment
elsewhere

Separately these organizations reported:
1. A 34% reduction in absenteeism and
a third fewer sick days
2. An average tenure of 8 yrs. with 93%
saying they felt job was important to
company and 91% saying they care
about their organization

3. Lower accident and injury rates
4. Lower need to hire temporary
replacements

It is estimated (APA 2009) that 60% of patients visiting their primary care physician do so for a mental health issue. Timely and early interventions can speed recovery, allowing a faster return to full daily functioning. More focused medical benefits targeting mental health issues coupled with Healthy Psychological workplace practices can lower work stress and increase productivity.

Coping with Stress
ABC STRATEGY

ABC STRATEGY
A = AWARENESS
What causes you stress?
How do you react?

ABC STRATEGY
B=BALANCE
There is a fine line between positive and negative stress
How much can you cope with before it becomes negative?

ABC STRATEGY
C = CONTROL
What can you do to help yourself combat the negative effects of stress?
Learn techniques to deal with stress

How to Manage Stress Stress Management Strategies Remove the stressor Withdraw from the stressor Change stress perceptions Control stress consequences Receive social support

Stress Management Techniques Remove the stressor Flexible work time Job sharing Telecommuting Personal leave programs Childcare support

Stress Management Techniques
Go to a room and relax (even if it’s the restroom)
Take a day off
Go on a vacation
Withdraw from the stressor

Change your perception of the situation
Use humor
Engage in mental simulation
This can help reduce the uncertainty of future work activities
Set personal goals for yourself
Change stress perceptions

Cognitive behavioral strategies
Self-reinforce
S-R Model
Use positive self-talk
Change stress perceptions, cont’d.

Physical exercise
Results in lowered respiration, muscle tension, heartbeat, and stomach acidity
Relaxation and meditation
Better nutrition and regular sleep
Counseling services (Employee assistance programs – EAPs, and/or therapists)
These people can help you overcome personal or organizational stressors and adopt more effective coping mechanisms
Control stress consequences

Progressive relaxation training (PRT)
Meditation
Control stress consequences

Ask for support from co-workers, supervisors, family, friends, and others.
Social support refers to one’s interactions with others as a means of obtaining emotional or informational support to buffer the stress experience
Receive social support

WRAP UP THOUGHTS

To Do’s and Don’t Do’s
Response oriented thinking rather than Cause oriented thinking
Give up the “Blame Game”
Give up the “Just World” hypothesis
Reframe the situation
Don’t ignore emotions but also don’t emphasize them

Plan, clarify, and find direction
Stay focused
Reset expectations to be successful
Rely on friends and family for support
Focus on the positive
Look for ways to have fun

Innovate – the old isn’t working
Exercise
Eat healthy
Moderate alcohol
Don’t smoke
Seek help if you feel overwhelmed

Tag Stress In The Workplace Presentation1

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