Stress

1
Stress

• 79 of workers report that 1995 was on of the
  most stressful years ever (Dale Carnegie survey)
• Work-related issues were the strongest source of
  stress
• Not doing the type of work you want was the major
  source of stress
• Karoshi (Japanese) Sudden death by heart attack
  triggered by overwork
• Japan is high on uncertainty avoidance, thus
  working hard is one way to reduce uncertainty
  because the harder you work the more productive
  your company should be

2
A Model of Stress
Consequences
Potential Sources
Individual Differences Social support, Personalit
y
Psychological Tension, irritability, anxiety
Environment economic uncertainty political
uncertainty
Organization Job demands, Resources,
change, Difficult boss
Physiological Muscular tension, Weakens immune
system, cardiovascular disorders
Experienced Stress
Individual Factors Family problems, personality
Behavioral Sleep troubles, Absence, substance
abuse
3
Time Management
Physical Exercise
Individual Stress Management
Social Support
Relaxation Training
4
Organizational Stress Management
Employee Assistance Programs
Job Redesigning
Wellness Programs
Organizational Communication
Employee Involvement
Selection and Placement
5
Stress-performance relationship

• Simple tasks versus complex tasks