OB on the Edge, Stress, Stephen P. Robbins and Nancy Langton, Organizational Behaviour, 3rd ed. Copyright © 2004 by Pearson Education Canada Inc. What Is Stress? A situation that creates excessive psychological or physiological demands on a person

OB on the Edge, Stress, Stephen P. Robbins and Nancy Langton, Organizational Behaviour, 3rd ed. Copyright © 2004 by Pearson Education Canada Inc. General Adaptation Syndrome Alarm –Body tries to meet initial challenge of stressor Increased respiration, raised blood pressure, dilated pupils, tensed muscles Resistance Fatigue, anxiety, and tension Exhaustion –Prolonged and continual exposure to stressor

OB on the Edge, Stress, Stephen P. Robbins and Nancy Langton, Organizational Behaviour, 3rd ed. Copyright © 2004 by Pearson Education Canada Inc. Effects of Stress Not necessarily bad –Athletes or stage performers can use stress to perform close to peak level But –Students putting off studying until the last minute and then developing the flu does not result in peak performance

OB on the Edge, Stress, Stephen P. Robbins and Nancy Langton, Organizational Behaviour, 3rd ed. Copyright © 2004 by Pearson Education Canada Inc. Potential Sources of Stress Changes in the workplace –Competition and change –Technological change –Increasingly diverse workforce –Downsizing –Employee empowerment and teamwork –Work/home conflict

OB on the Edge, Stress, Stephen P. Robbins and Nancy Langton, Organizational Behaviour, 3rd ed. Copyright © 2004 by Pearson Education Canada Inc. Consequences of Stress Physiological symptoms –E.g., increased blood pressure, headaches, heart attacks Psychological symptoms –E.g., job dissatisfaction, tension, anxiety, irritability, boredom, procrastination Behavioural symptoms –Changes in productivity, absence, turnover, eating habits, smoking, drinking, etc.

OB on the Edge, Stress, Stephen P. Robbins and Nancy Langton, Organizational Behaviour, 3rd ed. Copyright © 2004 by Pearson Education Canada Inc. Individual Differences in Experiencing Stress Perception Job experience Social support Belief in locus of control Hostility

OB on the Edge, Stress, Stephen P. Robbins and Nancy Langton, Organizational Behaviour, 3rd ed. Copyright © 2004 by Pearson Education Canada Inc. Individual Approaches to Managing Stress Time management Physical activity Relaxation techniques Building social support

OB on the Edge, Stress, Stephen P. Robbins and Nancy Langton, Organizational Behaviour, 3rd ed. Copyright © 2004 by Pearson Education Canada Inc. Helping Employees Manage Stress Selection and placement decisions Goal setting Redesigning jobs Increasing employee involvement Increasing organizational communication Providing organizational wellness programs

OB on the Edge, Stress, Stephen P. Robbins and Nancy Langton, Organizational Behaviour, 3rd ed. Copyright © 2004 by Pearson Education Canada Inc. Tips for Reducing Stress At least two or three times a week, spend time with supportive friends or family. Ask for support when you’re under pressure. This is a sign of health, not weakness. If you have spiritual or religious beliefs, increase or maintain your involvement. Use a variety of methods to reduce stress. Consider exercise, nutrition, hobbies, positive thinking, and relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga.

OB on the Edge, Stress, Stephen P. Robbins and Nancy Langton, Organizational Behaviour, 3rd ed. Copyright © 2004 by Pearson Education Canada Inc. Reducing Stress in the Workplace Avoid electronic monitoring of staff. Personal supervision generates considerably less stress. Allow workers time to recharge after periods of intense or demanding work. Important information that significantly affects employees is best transmitted face to face. Encourage positive social interactions between staff to promote problem-solving around work issues and increase emotional support. Staff need balance between privacy and social interaction at work. Extremes can generate stress.