10 Symptoms of Workplace Stress

It is no secret that stress and related disorders
are the most frequent cause of employee disability
(National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health). As far back as 1992, a United Nations
report called job stress a "world wide epidemic.

Control of workplace stress is a leadership
responsibility. Good leaders who recognize the
symptoms of stress can control situations to
create more desirable workplaces and to improve
both productivity and the bottom line.

Corporate leaders who have served in the military
recognize employee stress when they observe
symptoms such as:

1 Anxiety

2 Indecisiveness

3 Irritability

4 Complaining

5 Forgetfulness

6 Loss of self confidence

7 Argumentativeness

8 Insomnia

9 Rapid emotional shifts

10 Physical exhaustion

Symptoms such as these cost companies billions of
dollars each year in health care costs,
absenteeism, accidents, quality control, personnel
turnover, and various interpersonal relationship
problems.

Some managers mistakenly try to control stressful
problems by increasing demands and supervising
details. Increased urgency and focus on details
typically generates even more stress. The problems
shift from slight distractions, such as back pain,
headaches, and inattention, to more drastic
reactions such as absenteeism and medical
problems, both good indicators that stress levels
need attention.

Just as in the Army, most business leaders must be
taught to manage stress and to observe for
negative stress reactions. All managers need to
understand the importance of positive stress in
maximizing accuracy and productivity. And they
need to know how to control the negative stress
for the benefit of those involved and the bottom
line.

If you don't have qualified staff in your company,
outside consultants and trainers can help you
evaluate current stress levels and train everyone
involved. Remember, stress control is a
leadership responsibility.

Get my article about controlling the top ten
workplace stressors by sending blank email
MailTo:10stressors@couragebuilders.com

Copyright 2005

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