How to Manage Stress at Work
 

Ever since the economy fell into recession, job-related stress has been high on the agenda. Managers often comment during management training programmes that their employees are now suffering more stress. Few people are aware of the damage stress can cause, inspite receiving widespread publicity. The measures which can be taken to prevent the development are relatively simple. While most employees can suffer from stress, sales people are thought to be more prone this problem. Tension caused by tough negotiations and making presentations to groups of customers, the constant rejection together with the fact that remuneration is usually related to the level of sales made increases pressure and a challenging working environment. These factors can snowball. Sales people then begin the descent down a slippery slope of stress.

Stress is a form of distress which is caused by pressure on our mental and physical resources.  It takes two forms: negative (a pressurised feeling that causes the blood stream to flood with steroids) and positive (e.g. the 'buzz' we get from a challenge which we enjoy, causing the body to release adrenaline).  It is difficult to avoid stress in our lives. We are constantly under siege, however it can be controlled and channelled. 

Whilst a certain amount of positive stress is required by most people, negative stress should be at all costs avoided. The illness does not discriminate between the young and old or males and females.  Young people, particularly those who are in the early stages of their career, also suffer from the effects of negative stress. This can often cause the untimely end to their careers.

Stress can be caused by different aspects and can be broken down into three following categories: general (concerns the nature of the job and is non-controllable); external (to do with the organisation, products sold or management); internal (personal attitudes and beliefs); lack of investment in the work force, such as management training.

If you are a manager, then you are in a perfect situation to observe your team. If you notice signs of stress in any of your employees your responsibility to help them to overcome this problem. 

The key to handling stress is to aim to convert the negative stress into positive stress (using positive thinking), and to use this newly formed positive stress in order to motivate.

Keep a close eye on staff for any of the following symptoms: mood swings, overworking, irritability, restlessness, increased alcohol or nicotine consumption, inability to relax, difficulty in concentrating, jerky movements , rapid speech, constant tiredness or psychosomatic illness. 

As a manager you should take the following actions to avoid stress in your team:

Encourage your team to develop the right mental attitude. After all, problems are part of life. 

Urge them to define their ambitions and goals.  Is it money? Recognition? Comfort?  Respect? Once they have set their realistic goals, help them to achieve these.

Stimulate positive thinking amongst the team.  If they do not succeed, put it down to experience. Work hard to demonstrate to them the positive side to failure.

In order to get the right results, you must conduct the right actions. Develop a sense of professionalism.  Are your staff well presented?  Do they pay attention to details? Is all documentation presentable? 

Managing stress in the work place is covered on many management training programmes that can help you to further develop your skills.

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