Health and Stress Management: The 12 S’ of Managing Stress in The Workplace

Objective

This article aims to deal with the negative effects of stress in the workplace. It recognizes the fact that the workforce is continuously vulnerable to the high demands at work. Because of this constant problem, workers continually face the adverse effects, in turn affecting their overall productivity. The 12 S’ of Managing Stress in the Workplace is then recommended.

Rationale

The 12 S’ of Stress Management in the Workplace is based on the following grounds:

1. Stress has an effect on the worker’s productivity.
2. The most common sources of workforce stress are: the physical environment, the job description, work overload, coupled with family and/or personal problems.
3. 60-70 percent of full time employees have drinking problems and/or have problems with drug addiction or drug use.
4. Alcohol or drug dependent workers are two-three times more likely to be absent or be late compared to the normal employee.
5. The need for seminars on work improvement, stress management, or stress reduction increases even more.

The Beneficiary

- The Workforce, (Office) Workers, Company Employees or Staff

The Many Problems of Stress in the Workplace

The workforce, (office) workers, company employees or staff, is susceptible to job-related problems on several aspects. Because of stress, people on their jobs are affected physically, emotionally, psychologically, as well as socially, and so, their work performance diminishes.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Job-Related Stress

1. Sleeping problems or insomnia
2. Low energy or fatigue
3. Headaches or body aches
4. Poor concentration or inability to relax
5. Abnormal appetite
6. Decrease in sexual interest
7. Ulcers or indigestion
8. Hypertension
9. Heart diseases
10. Substance abuse (alcoholism or drug addiction)

Causes of Stress: Ten Major Job Stressors

1. Too many responsibilities
2. Overload or stagnant work
3. Vague tasks or inflexible roles
4. Role conflict
5. Frequent changes in the workplace
6. Unhealthy competitions
7. Constant contact with stressors or stressful people
8. Repressed emotions
9. Poor interaction with the workmates or management
10. Other matters related to the company

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Frequent Reactions to Stress in the Workplace

1. Overtime or overwork
2. Withdrawal, avoidance, or quitting
3. Constant complaining without coming up with any solutions
4. Turning to recreational activities
5. Adapting, analyzing, and strategizing

Major Effects of Unmanaged Stress in the Workplace

1. Poor job performance and decreased productivity
2. Aggression, boycott
3. Job dissatisfaction or low motivation to work
4. Absenteeism, resignation
5. Depression or Anxiety

The 12 S’ of Managing Stress in the Workplace

To effectively manage stress in the workplace, it is recommended to promote, improve, or enhance the workers’ positive coping mechanisms:

1. Self awareness (feeling good about one’s self)
2. Stress debriefing (taking time to listen and evaluate)
3. Speaking out (talking it out and expressing your sentiments)
4. Scheduling (not letting wasted time waste the chances of making things better)
5. Stress Reduction Exercises (tuning up your body to the demands of working)
6. Smiling (relaxing and keeping a positive attitude to get going)
7. Siesta (taking a deserved break once in a while)
8. Socialization (enjoying life and realizing that you are not alone)
9. Sports and Recreation (engaging your body and mind in healthy and worthwhile activities)
10. Songs and Sounds (listening to soothing sounds to ease up and calm down)
11. Sensation Techniques (getting a massage or signing up at the spa to loosen up the tension)
12. Spirituality (hoping that there would soon be good times)