Stress Awareness

Pressure Performance Stages Boredom Comfort MaximumAverage Level of Pressure Minimum Performance Fantasy Fatigue Poor Performance Ill Health StretchStretch StrainStrain

PERCEIVED THREAT FLIGHT / FIGHT RESPONSE

Personal consequences of stress Physical symptoms Cold soresIndigestion Chest painsHeartburn Skin irritations Anxiety Relationship problems Irritability Fatigue / insomnia Low self-esteem Depression Low self confidence More accident prone Feeling trapped Increased alcohol consumption Eating disorders

Sources of Organisational Stress  Poor communication  Unclear role / objectives  Change  Role conflict (project mgmt)  Career uncertainty/stagnation  Over / under promotion  Lack of training  Social or physical isolation  Unrealistic deadlines / targets  Travel  Lack of control over decisions  Inadequate supervision  Lack of feedback on good performance  New technology  Work overload / underload  Long working hours

Sources of Personal Stress  Relationship breakdown  Financial worries  Caring for dependants  childcare  eldercare  Physical / psychological illness  Lack of support at home  Bereavement  Moving house  Personality type  Type ‘A’  perfectionist  driven  competitive

Organisational Strategies for Workplace Stress Primary –Aimed at eliminating or modifying environmental stressors to reduce their negative impact on individuals Job design Culture change Encourage participative management Flexible working Work/life balance policies Secondary –Focus on increasing awareness, resilience and coping skills of the individual Stress management education & training Lifestyle information and health promotion activities Skill training – time management, communication skills, Tertiary –Concerned with the treatment and rehabilitation of distressed individuals Counselling Rehabilitation policies

Signs of rising stress Disturbed sleep Loss of pleasure in things once enjoyed Appetite changes Irritability and impatience Tiredness, lack of energy Inability of concentrate, meet deadlines or make decisions Increasing cynicism or loss of trust Anxiety / panic attacks Sense of losing control over events

Ways to control stress Communication –Agree targets –Review progress Take control –Participate in decisions –Ensure travel commitments are reasonable –Update training Make time for yourself –Allocate ‘self’ time –Pursue a hobby

Ways to control stress Look after yourself –Exercise –Diet Access support –Manager –Occupational Health / HR –Local agencies

Encouraging a Low-stress Culture Everyone in an organisation contributes towards its culture. To create a low-stress culture it is important to: Learn about stress Talk about stress Communicate Co-operate Give and accept support

Exercise - Group Work Part 1 List work factors that contribute to pressure in your areas Identify the three most significant contributors to pressure Feedback to whole group Part 2 Develop local solutions to these issues Share examples of good practice Part 3 Agree next steps