1. Occupational StressStress Management Onkar R. Satam

2. Definition Physical or psychological disorder associated withan occupational environment and manifestedin symptoms such as extremeanxiety, or tension, orcramps, headaches, or digestion problems. Stress related to responsibilities associated with work, corporate culture or personality conflicts Can lead to physical as well as emotional disorders May cause depression if left unattended 3. Effects of OccupationalStressPsychological and behavioral problems Anxiety Irritability Alcohol and Drug Use Feeling Powerless Low Morale 4. Physical symptoms: Fatigue Headache Stomach Problems Muscular Aches and pains Chronic Mild Illness Sleep Disturbances Eating DisordersIf exposure to stressors in the workplace is prolonged, then chronic health problems can occur including stroke. 5. Managing Occupational Stress New TechnologyStress due to introduction of new technology can be greately reduced by training of the employees in the new technology so that they are comfortable and can easily adjust to the new machines and work procedures Shift WorkAllocation of shifts to employees making sure that all employees are awarded shifts in rotation to avoid monotony in work timings and conditions 6. Longer Working HoursTry not to work long hour and ask whether flexibleworking hours are available. Enough sleep isessential. DeadlinesSet realistic goals and targets which are achievable in the given time frame with optimum effort. Commuting to WorkTry to move in closer to workplace or find worknear to residence. Travel with a friend to work. 7. Working ConditionsOrganizations need to provide with good lighting, ventilation, washroom facilities, rest rooms, first aid, canteen etc to ensure hygienic and safe working conditions. Bad CommunicationImprove communication skills, training can beimparted to employees in work relatedcommunication and interpersonal skills as well aswritten communication. Accepting New JobsMoe on to next job once u learn the present job. 8. Being the BossDevelop good rapport with employees and subordinates, lead by example, have good clear communication with them and always reason out clearly and create a consensus for your decisions Queen Bee SyndromeIt is best to create a balance with fun, humor, and compassion with your co-workers and intermingle this with your enthusiasm of strong work ethics to gain respect and guide others to mimic your enthusiasm. Lack of Enthusiasm 9. Job SatisfactionTry and identify what u like in your job and what youdont. Try and chalk out possible solutions. Talk tosuperiors and try and change the characteristics ofthe job to make it more satisfying. Job SecurityThe threat of losing a job makes life generally very stressful. Workers also put up with more hassles just to keep a job. Changing occupations is far more common now days - this can be one of the most stressful times in a persons life. BoredomTry and induce various activities and variations in 10. Occupational Stress andGenderAccording to a study conducted jointly by University of the Witwatersand, South Africa, University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology, U.K., Graduate Institute of Behavioural Sciences, Taiwan and University of South Florida, U.S.on the variations in effect of occupational stress on males and females Both males and females experience same amount ofstressors at workplace But men experience less stress than women Stressors at work have more effect on women ascompared to men.http://web.ba.ntu.edu.tw/luolu/Occupational%20stre 11. Women and Occupational StressCauses of Stress Dual responsibilities of professional as well as familylife Decimation on basis of gender at workplace Inability to take up better or different jobs due tofamily pressureSymptoms of Occupational Stress in WomenPsychological problemsDepressive symptoms, insomnia, dissatisfaction, irritability, rage, anxiety, fearfulness, feelings of guilt and shame and 12. Physical problemsCoronary heart disease, changes in blood pressure, body ache, tension headaches, digestive problems and back painDysfunctional behavioral manifestationsSickness absenteeism, changing jobsfrequently, career interruption and job withdrawalowing to negative job attitudesWomen have to develop a model of working which enables them to keep a good balance between professional and family life. They should not work the same way as men as men have much lesser need to 13. Strategic Planning to CombatOccupational Stress 1. Individual Level Strategy Examples of individual and situational factors that can help to reduce the effects of stressful working conditions include the following: Balance between work and family or personal life Create support network of friends and coworkers and talk out openly Maintain relaxed and positive outlook/attitude Change the motto - No one is perfect perform the best Have realistic expectations Have a balanced diet Practice relaxation and meditation Have thorough medical check up at frequent 14. 2. Corporate Level StrategyIt is important to identify characteristics associated with both healthy, low-stress work and high levels of productivity Recognition of employees for good work performance Opportunities for career development An organizational culture that values the individual worker Management actions that are consistent with organizational values Exposure to stressful working conditions (called job stressors) 15. Corporate StressPrevention Strategy Talk to individual employees, if possible or else to their first supervisors Hold group discussions with employees Measure employee perceptions of job, working conditions, stress, satisfaction Design a survey method Collect objective data Analyze the data and identify the problem Find out remedial measures 16. How to Change the Organizationto Prevent Job Stress The workload should be in line with workerscapabilities and resources Job design should stimulate and provideample opportunities for workers to use theirskills Clarity in workers roles and responsibilities Workers participation in making decisions forthose actions affecting their interests Improved channels of communication Drawl of clear career development chart Ensuring social interaction opportunities 17. Thank You