STRESS MANAGEMENT

IN

STRATEGIC ORGANIZATIONS

By Presented by Dr. Zeb-un-Nisa Akhtar Pathologist , AWC

Outline

Introduction to Types of Stress Research of Work Stress in Strategic Organizations Management of Work Stress in Strategic Organizations Case study Conclusion

What is Stress?

Stress is derived from the Latin word Stingere which means bind tightly. Stress is defined as Adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demands placed upon them when they worry they cant cope.

Work Stress

Work stress is the response people may have when presented with work demands and pressures that are not matched to their knowledge and abilities and which challenge their abilities to cope.

Positive Stress or Eustress

1. Positive stress 2. Negative stress

Positive Stress or Eustress

Positive stress or Eustress results when positive things happen to us Keeps you on toes during a presentation at work Sharpens your concentration when you are attempting the game winning through. Derives you to study for an exam when youd rather be watching TV.

Negative Stress

Beyond a certain point stress starts causing major damage to your

Health Mood Productivity Relationships Quality of life

Negative Stress

Excessive, prolonged and unrelieved stress can have harmful Effect on physical, mental and spiritual health.

Physiology of Stress - Flight or Fight

Excessive, prolonged and unrelieved stress can Flight or fight response or stress response is our bodys sympathetic nervous system reacting to a stressful event. The extra rush of adrenaline released during acute stress gives us a needed burst of speed when we flee from danger or an extra surge of power when we stand and fight.

Stress Sign and Symptoms

Physical Symptoms
Aches , pain, headache Nausea, Diarrhea or constipation Chest pain, high blood pressure A tendency to sweat Frequent colds Nervousness

Cognitive Symptoms
Memory problems. Inability to concentrate Seeing only the negative. Constant Worrying

Stress Sign and Symptoms

Emotional Symptoms
Moodiness, anger, anxiety. Depression or general unhappiness. Irritability or short temper. Feeling of insecurity. Sense of loneliness and isolation.

Behavioral Symptoms
Eating more or less. Sleeping too much or too less. Isolating yourself from others. Neglecting responsibilities. Using alcohols, cigarettes or drugs to relax.

Stress Sign and Symptoms

Job

Org. Cultur e

Causes of Stress

Role in Organiz ation

Career Develo pment

Work Relati onship s

Causes of Stress

Job
i. Workload and Workplace

Heavy work load Working under time pressures Too little to work Monotonous and meaningless tasks Risk and danger Long travels New technology

ii. Job Contents

Causes of Stress

Job
iii. Working Hours

Strict and inflexible working schedules Long and unsocial hours Badly designed shift system Problem regarding the availability, maintenance and repair of equipment. High noise levels. Extremes of temperature. Inappropriate lighting in surrounding environment

iv. Work Environment and Equipment

Causes of Stress

Role in Organization
Role ambiguity Role conflict Responsibility for people Constantly dealing with other people and their problems

Causes of Stress

Work Relationships
Inconsiderate or unsupportive supervision.

Poor relationship with colleagues. Bullying, harassment and violence No agreed procedure for dealing with problems or complaints. Lack of social support.

Causes of Stress

Career Development
Lack of job security Under promotion or over promotion Unfair performance appraisal system. knowledge and skills becoming obsolete. Being over skilled and under skilled for the job.

Causes of Stress

Organizational Culture and Climate

Undue restrictions on individual behavior A sense of not belonging Poor communication and Leadership Unclear organizational objectives Low support for problem solving Lack of adequate opportunities in decision making Insufficient recognition of professional skills and training

Research On Stress Management in Strategic Organizations

A research on stress management in strategic organization has conducted to find out the
Percentage of employees suffering from stress. Level of stress in employees of strategic organizations.

Research Instrument
Questionnaire on Stress management survey in strategic organizations.

Research On Stress Management in Strategic Organizations

Study Population
100 employees of different strategic organizations Officers and staff (Male and female)

Strategic Organizations
NESCOM, PAEC, KRL, AWC, PMO, NDC, PINSTECH, ACL, KANUPP, SUPARCO, PNRA, PIEAS, NILORE, NORI.

Research On Stress Management in Strategic Organizations

Result/Findings:
Maximum possible Score: 100 Minimum possible Score: 34

Group A Score (34-55)

Group B Score (56-75)

Group C Score (76-100)

Severe Stress
- Injurious to health - Unable to manage their stress. - Seek professional advice - Make changes in career and lifestyle.

Moderate Stress
- Appear to be conscious of stress. - Could still manage it better. - Seek organization help in managing stress.

Mild or No Stress
- Appear good in managing their stress. - Organization appear to be supportive in managing their stress.

Research On Stress Management in Strategic Organizations

Organizational Strategies to Manage Work Stress

Identify Main Sources of Work Stress

Implement measures to prevent sense of stress

Equal Opportunity Policy

Effective recruitment policy and selection on merit Right person for the right job Effective training policy and equal opportunities for training Avoid unjustified distribution of perks and privileges

Organizational Strategies to Manage Work Stress

Awareness and Education about Stress

Stress management training Classes on relaxation techniques, time management, assertiveness and exercise Improve managers attitude towards dealing with work stress Organizational support mechanism to manage stress Services of psychologist in hospitals of strategic organizations

Fair Promotion System

Organizational Strategies to Manage Work Stress

Fair Promotion System

Promotion on merit

Good Physical Working Condition

Choice and individualization of work space Improve equipment used at work Taking account of space, noise, ventilation design etc

Organizational Strategies to Manage Work Stress

Reward and Recognition

Commendation certificate Honorarium Employee of the week or month

Promotion of Organizational Culture

Encourage team work and cooperation by providing common rooms Arrange social gatherings

Organizational Strategies to Manage Work Stress

Delegation of Powers
Improve employees control over work Introduce flexible timing, job sharing etc Participation in decision making

Leave for Rest and Recreation

Allocate leave for rest and recreation for once in a year

Free Medical Treatment to Employees Parents

Leading cause of stress in strategic

Individual Strategies For Managing Work Stress

1. RECOGNIZE WARNING SIGNS OF EXCESSIVE STRESS 2. TAKING CARE OF YOUR-SELF
a) Regular exercise b) Eat healthy and balanced diet c) Avoid cigarette smoking and alcohol d) Get enough sleep 4. TASK MANAGEMENT a) Priortize tasks b) Break project into small steps c) Delegate responsibilities d) Be willing to compromise 6. BREAK BAD HABITS a) Resist Perfectionism b) Get organized c) Avoid negative thinking d) Dont try to control the uncontrollable e) Take time away

3.TIME MANAGEMENT a) Create a balanced schedule b) Don't over-commit your-self c) Try to leave earlier in morning d) Plan regular breaks 5. IMPROVE EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE a) Realize when you are stressed b) Stay connected to your emotional experience c) Recognize and effectively use non- verbal clues d) Develop the capacity to meet challenge with humor e) Resolve conflicts positively

Case Study

Scenario
Mr A, a foreman in the machine shop of strategic organization. Friendly relationship with boss Mr B and colleagues Working hours eight hours daily for five days a week Enjoyed his job most of the time

Recently a change in duty Additional evening duties on Sundays Shortage of staff due to earned leave to 4

Case Study

Causes
Additional working hours directly effects Mr. A. Evening duty on weekend effects his family life and time for rest and recreation. Mr B, is not aware of Mr As feelings and anxiety. Lack of communication between Mr A and his boss.

Case Study

Effects on Mr A
Change in temperament of Mr. A Sad, anxious and depressed Lack of energy during the work day Agitated in his dealing with colleagues. Commits mistakes while performing duties. Difficulty in sleeping.

Case Study

REMEDY

Good communication and face to face discussions with employer The employers must consider the justified and equalsharing of work load among their subordinates. The employee should feel free to discuss any stressful situation with their superiors. The work load of extra duties should be shared among other workers of department so that these duties only come fortnightly or once in a month. Employees should be consulted before assigning them extra duties.

Conclusions
One fourth employees of strategic organizations are suffering from severe stress. One third employees are suffering from moderate stress. Not able to manage their stress. Organizations best interest to keep work stress to minimum. Develop organizational and individual strategies to manage work stress.

Conclusions
Identification and elimination of main causes of stress. An effective health promotion stress management policy. Healthy stress free employees mean healthy organizations

Thank You!!!