1. STRESS MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS
Benefits and Implications for Arkansas Oklahoma Gas Corporation
Tyler D. Chapman
September 26, 2016

2. BACKGROUND Company: Arkansas Oklahoma Gas Corporation (AOG)
AOG is a privately owned and operated natural gas distribution entity based in Fort Smith, AR.
AOG currently employs 220 skilled and versatile employees.
With greater versatility and responsibilities comes greater potential for stress in the work place.
AOG lacks a directive in addressing employee stress.

3. PURPOSE OF PROJECT Address the Stress
Gain an understanding of the stressors faced by AOG personnel.
Take a proactive approach to mitigating stress for AOG personnel.
Offset the potential consequences of the stressors.
Improve the quality of work life for AOG personnel.

4. PROBLEM IDENTIFIED Isn’t Stress A Personal Problem?
AOG lacks a directive in mitigation of stress for employees.
Stress affects both the employee and the organization.
What can the organization do?
Hypothesis:
Implementation of stress management programs can improve the quality of work life at AOG.

5. METHODOLOGY Survey, Interview, and Meetings with AOG Personnel
15-Question Perception of Stress Survey Conducted
10 Structured questions rated on a scale of 1-5
5 Unstructured questions to gain an understanding of employee perceptions of stress
Informal meetings and interviews
Conducted throughout data collection timeline

6. SURVEY LITERATURE Structured Questions Used in Analysis:
I am aware of the stress management programs available to employees of Arkansas Oklahoma Gas Corporation.
The working environment of Arkansas Oklahoma Gas Corporation can be stressful.
I am aware of what causes my stress.
I could use help dealing with the stress I experience.
I believe stress has an effect on my level of productivity. 
Stress has an effect on my emotional and/or physical health.
I believe stress management programs can improve the quality of work life at Arkansas Oklahoma Gas Corporation.
Answer Format:
(Strongly Agree – Agree – Neutral – Disagree – Strongly Disagree)

7. SURVEY LITERATURE Unstructured Questions Used in Analysis:
Can you describe a stressor you experience on a daily basis at Arkansas Oklahoma Gas Corporation?
In your opinion, what departments and/or positions are more susceptible to stressors?
What is your strategy for managing stress? 
What ideas do you have for stress management programs that could benefit the employees of Arkansas Oklahoma Gas Corporation?
Answer Format: Open-Ended

8. ANALYSIS & FINDINGS Survey Says:
Employees are not aware of stress management programs offered (if any) at AOG.
AOG personnel perceive the working environment to be stressful.
Employees know what causes their stress.
AOG personnel are open to the idea of stress management programs.
Stress has an effect on employee productivity.
Stress has an effect on emotional/physical health.
Employees believe stress management programs can potentially improve the quality of work life at AOG.

9. ANALYSIS & FINDINGS Survey Says (continued):
The majority of surveys indicated “management indecision” or “project changes” were the primary causes of stress for AOG personnel.
Gas Control, Dispatch, and Meter Setting were perceived as the most stressful departments at AOG.
Exercise and Prayer were the most common strategies for personal stress management.
An in-house fitness center at AOG was the most recommended plan for stress management.

10. RECOMMENDED ACTION PLAN
How Does AOG Fix The Problem?
Based on information collected from AOG personnel the proposed action plan is to implement a stress management program in the format of an in-house fitness center.

11. CRITERIA FOR RECOMMENDATION
Feasibility: Is this the appropriate solution?
Dependent on employee participation feedback studies.
Further research will include focused analysis and approval of fitness center.
Studies have shown that in-house fitness centers provide tangible benefits for employees exposed to stress.

12. CRITERIA FOR RECOMMENDATION
Cost: What is the capital investment?
3,600 Square-Foot Facility = $100,404.00
Fitness Equipment Budget = $60,000.00
Interior Furnishing & Fixtures = $10,000.00
Total Cost of Initial Implementation = $170,404.00
(Additional costs for maintenance and future fitness center growth are not included)

13. CRITERIA FOR RECOMMENDATION
Urgency: When will the Fitness Center be operational?
Due to budget-year limitations the optimal timeline will be one year.
Beginning January 1, 2017 a three-phase schedule will be defined.
The AOG Fitness Center will open October 1, 2017.

14. RETURN ON INVESTMENT Scenario 1:
Eliminate subsidized membership dues to local fitness centers benefit.
Free Access to AOG Fitness Center
Scope of Return = 7.4 Years
Scenario 2:
Eliminate subsidized membership dues to local fitness centers benefit.
Benefit premium of $5 per month, per employee to access AOG Fitness Center.
Scope of Return = 5.8 Years (With 110 participants)

15. CONCLUSION
The assessment informed the research team there is a need for stress mitigation at AOG. The employees are exposed to stressful work environments and could use help dealing with that stress. The surveys supported the hypothesis that stress management programs can improve the quality of work life. The majority answered in favor of an in-house fitness center serving the purpose of a stress management solution.
The research team has analyzed the data and suggested the best fit solution.

16. LET US BUILD A HEALTHIER AOG TOGETHER
Thank you