Workers across America will tell you that stress levels are
increasing. The demand for anti- depressants is up. Doctor’s
visits are increasing. Stress-related ailments are shooting up
like a rocket.
There are many stressors behind all these problems, but the
gurus generally classify the stress itself into three
categories. Understanding the major types is the first step to
controlling stress and improving productivity.
1. Acute Stress. This kind of stress is caused by recent
events. It is significant but temporary. Small doses can result
in positive reactions: the adrenalin rush and feelings of
elation can motivate achievement. Too much, too often results in
headaches, backaches, upset stomach, and other tension-related
responses.
2. Episodic Acute Stress. This type stress is caused by
frequent exposure to stressors. These people are generally over
committed, lack the time and ability to accomplish everything,
and they often find themselves at odds with coworkers. This is
much more serious than the first kind. Irritability turns to
anger, occasional tension headaches become frequent migraines,
heart palpitations lead to chest pain, and high anxiety becomes
a way of life.
3. The third category is chronic stress. This is related to the
others but carries none of the thrill or adrenalin rush found
with acute stress. The long-term nature of chronic stress is
such that people actually become accustomed to the stressors
and accept them as a way of life; they see no escape from
poverty, job mismatches, abusive situations, or physical
hardships.
What kind of stress do you observe in your workplace? Are some
of your people plagued with tension headaches and back aches?
Are some of them even more stressed, displaying anger and
migraines? Or, do you have some people who are so far over the
edge that they have basically given up hope as characterized by
chronic stress?
How much is all of this costing your company? Good leaders
recognize the effects of stress and understand that it costs a
lot in medical benefits, insurance costs, absenteeism, workers
comp, accidents, quality, productivity, and profits.
Find out more about the effects of workplace stress and
specific ways to overcome this drain on American business. Send
email to MailTo:TopTenStressors@CourageBuilders.com
You can control stress in your workplace and turn all that
energy into productive activity. Your workplace can be both
pleasant and profitable.
Copyright 2010 – Dale Collie – All Rights Reserved