How can we apply stress management to everyday workers? Stressed workers are less productive, more prone to accidents, have more sick days, and cost the company many thousands of dollars on the bottom line. What should be a good stress management program were employees feel good about coming to work and doing the best job they can.

I just returned from four days of chanting and meditating so may be able to offer some help here :-)

Not sure what industry you're in, but you could offer a variety of experiences: meditation, group walks, scheduled 'stress breaks' where everyone stands at their workstation or cubicle and stretches.

And, look at your organization. Although every employee has their own particular personal stress, are there environmental things that you could change in the work environment to reduce stress? For example, in an office I always turned off the fluourescent lights and everyone commented how calm it was. Think about lighting, ventilation, and group actitivities...that should be a good start.

Mitch's thoughtful suggestions will go someway to addressing environmental causes of stress

What about others? Some causes will be outside of workplace, such as personal/family relationship issues etc. Some will be internal, such as poor relationships with line managers, often cited as the major reason for people leaving.

There's a fair bit of research suggesting that a lack of control or ability to influence key aspects of the role, a sense of being undervalued, and of not being able to contribute meaningfully, or grow and develop or major causes on workplace-based stress.

Have a look in these other areas.

Cheers

Martin

In addition to the good ideas already presented -- think about how you celebrate hard work. Depending on what kind of industry you're in, team celebrations help people look forward beyond the every day stress -- a celebration at the end of a 3-month project... a month with reduced errors... a month with increased customer satisfaction, etc. Look for little ways to instill fun and show appreciation for hard work.

And, as Martin suggests, think about what is going on in the work environment and look at the working relationships between supervisors and employees. In particular, are the line managers stressed as well? Are they pushing their stress down to their employees?

And lastly, speak about stress openly. I know of a company that offered a small monetary stipend to a department as recognition for a tough few months and appreciation for hard work. The only catch was employees needed to use it for stress relief of some sort. Some employees bought new sneakers. Some, used it toward a gym membership. Others went to the spa for a little pampering.

Just acknowledge workplace stress head on (most employees will appreciate the validation), research potential causes, and be creative.

Good luck.
Michele Eby
www.media-partners.com

To channel some more of Mitch's chanting... a Wayne Dyer quote: "There is no such thing as stress; only people thinking stressful thoughts." I think that one gives us an intersting twist on stress management!

Based on my research, there are 5 key areas of life that can typically be the source of stressful thoughts for people, and those are the same key areas whether you are talking about work life, or home life. People need to have those areas in balance, or in a healthy perspective, in order to alleviate stress. (Or stressful thoughts if you like that line of thinking.)

I teach a workshop called "Harmony at Work" that is based on my research. As a recovering "stressed worker," I am happy to share some of my relevant findings with you that might help you create an effective stress management program for your company's employees. It is a very worthy cause and one that is my personal mission. I'd be glad to volunteer some time to help you.

michelle.sterling@buildingbsolutions.com