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Just The “FACS” Safety Notes DEALING WITH WORKPLACE STRESS Engineers study the way stress can weaken structures and materials, but specialists in health, safety and human relations are concerned with the way stress can weaken people. The stress that threatens well-being in people can be any physical, chemical or emotional factor that causes physical or mental tension. Stress can contribute to the onset of many diseases. There is growing evidence that stress induces such ailments as nervousness, fatigue, insomnia, heartburn, headache, stomach complaints and hypertension. Stress can occur anywhere, including the workplace. Job-related stress has become an international phenomenon. A study by the International Labor Organization (ILO) of mental health policies and programs affecting the workforces of Finland, Germany, Poland, the U.K. and U.S. shows that the incidence of mental health problems is increasing. As many as one in ten workers suffers from depression, anxiety or burnout. Unemployment or hospitalization are common results. The pressures of long hours and heavy workloads, fear for your safety on the job, fear of losing your job, discomfort with company policies or friction with fellow workers or supervisors can all cause work-related stress. Though the current tight U.S. labor market has eased fears of job loss, with fewer people available to fill jobs, work hours have tended to lengthen while deadlines have tightened. Effective job training and proactive health and safety policies can help to alleviate fears of on-the- job injuries, but friction between co-workers and supervisors is a more difficult problem. Daily interactions with others have a tremendous influence on a person’s sense of well being. One pervasive cause of discontent and stress for workers is the perception that they are somehow being exploited. Poor communication between management and staff, or between co-workers, can leave people feeling “out of the loop.” When reasons behind procedures, policies or work practices are poorly explained or understood, feelings of exploitation increase. Strained on-the-job relations can be both a result and a cause of rudeness, disrespect and even downright bullying and abuse. There are steps that both companies and individuals can take to lower workplace stress. Companies can make sure that their policies and rules are communicated clearly and applied even-handedly. Some companies have established policies of zero tolerance for harassment of any sort, including verbal abuse by supervisors or co-workers. Adequate work breaks, preferably in a quiet location, and a reduction of the general noise level in work areas are concrete ways to reduce stress. Some companies even allow occasional time for naps, particularly where overtime hours are common.
Page 1 As part of overall “wellness” programs, companies can suggest ways for individuals to minimize, counteract or prevent stress. Health professionals can emphasize the benefits of proper diet, exercise and the appropriate use of vitamin supplements as ways to combat stress. Often overlooked, but perhaps the most important means of reducing stress, is getting adequate sleep. Soft music, meditation, a darkened room---anything that can relax the body and mind will reduce stress. Pursuing new interests, getting into the outdoors, enjoying entertainment that makes you laugh---anything that improves your general sense of well-being will tend to lower your level of stress. If you are feeling stressed, take steps to alleviate the feeling. The effort can only be beneficial to your health. It can also make your workplace safer, because a harried, worried worker is rarely fully alert. Productivity suffers when workers are uncomfortable or distracted, so relieving stress in the workplace can make a real contribution to the bottom line, as well as to employee health and morale. For more information about workplace stress, go to: www.cdc.gov/niosh/stresswk.html NOTE: Over the past 10 years I have had the opportunity to attend some of the best leadership seminars and courses that are offered that deal with the subject of workplace stress.
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“The Seven Habits” Leadership Course – Dallas, Tx. All of the above Seminars / Courses focus mainly on the everyday stress and confrontations that occur within the workplace today. They teach things like being more sensitive to others needs as it relates to their job duties and responsibilities. Make sure that you understand what the person is up against and get all the facts before making a harsh judgment. Take the time to understand the individual personalities of your Co-Workers, Supervisors, and Managers. If these few simple guidelines are followed, your stress levels will lower dramatically, the risk of confrontations are minimized, and your personal health is not compromised. They also teach the “Positive Buy In Effect”. Instead of just ordering someone to do something, make a suggestion of how you think it should be done and ask the individual what they think about the idea. By doing this you not only get a more positive approach to getting things done, but you will also see a more productive workplace.
Lets
face it, if you enjoy what you do and feel better about your Co-Workers,
Supervisors, and Managers you will have a more positive attitude which leads to
less Stress, Safer Work Environment, and a Healthier you.
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