Work Stress

Organizational Behavior

stress
The mental and physical response of our bodies to the changes and challenges in our lives Stressor any physical, social, or psychological event or condition that causes the body to adjust to that situation
Adjustment may cause strain or wear and tear on our bodies and minds

Eustress positive stress that presents the opportunity for personal growth and satisfaction Distress negative stress that results in debilitative stress and strain

General Adaptation Syndrome

General adaptation syndrome (GAS) an adaptive response where our bodies move from homeostasis to crisis:
Alarm phase
Fight or flight response

Resistance phase Exhaustion phase

Alarm phase
Panic How to cope
Ex. A practical student Nurse is assigned to discuss 20 pages of NCAAA topic on the following day

How will I ever get this done by tomorrow?

Resistance
Resists negative affects of stressors Gather strength (physical and emotional)
Ex. Student starts to read the topic and transfer files to the computer

Bring his topic out and set to work

The Resistance Phase

Exhaustion
Failure to resist Literally gives up and can no longer fight stressor
Ex. The student fell asleep and not able to finish the report

General Adaptation Syndrome

Cause and Consequences

Causes
Organizational stressor
Factors in the workplace that can cause stress
1. 2. 3. 4. Task demands Physical demands Role demands Interpersonal demands

Life stressor
Takes place outside the organization
1. 2. Life change Life trauma

CAUSES
Life stressors

CONSEQUENCES
Burnout

Life change Life trauma

Individual Consequences
Task demands: Occupation Security Overload Physical Demands Temperature Organizational Office design Stressors Role Demands Conflict Ambiguity Interpersonal Demands Group pressure Leadership lifestyle Personalities Behavioral (Alcohol and drug abuse; violence) Psychological (Sleep Disturbances; Depression)

Experienced Stress

Medical (heart disease; headache) Organizational Consequences Decline in Performance Turnover and absenteeism Decrease motivation and satisfaction

Individual with high aspirations and motivation to accomplish many things

Burnout Process
Organization that simultaneously frustrates Individuals own aspirations while pressuring the person to meet its own needs

Prolonged stress, fatigue, frustration and helplessness

Decreased aspirations and motivation, loss of self-confidence, psychological withdrawal

Job Burnout

Personality Profile
TYPE A TYPE B

Talks rapidly Is devoted to work Is highly competitive Struggles to perform several tasks Has a strong sense of time urgency Is impatient with idleness Loses temper easily Interrupts others

Handles details patiently Is less competitive with others Contemplates issues carefully Has a low concern about time limitations Doesn't feel guilty about relaxing Has a relaxed approach to life Works at a steady pace

Stress Management in the Workplace

Exercise

Relaxation Individual Time Management Coping with Stress

Role Management

Support Group

Occupational Coping Strategies

Institutional Program Work Design Work Schedules Culture Supervision

The Organization

Employee stress Reduction

Collateral Programs Stress Management Health Promotion Programs Other Program