Ivanchuk, N. B.

Scientific Advisor: Khoroshilova, Y. O.

Kharkiv Institute of Trade and Economics of KNUTE, Ukraine

 

STRESS AT WORK

 

The thesis highlights the problem of stress at work, the various aspects of stress and its contributing factors.

The object of the research is stress.

The subject of the study is an office worker.

The objective of the project is to study and analyze the reasons of stress at work, to develop methods how to cope with it.

The tasks of the research are:

−             to understand what is stress;

−             to study causes and consequences of stress at work;

−             to find the ways of dealing with stress.

In this difficult economy, many of us are finding it harder than ever to cope with stress at the workplace. Regardless of occupation, seniority, or salary level, we’re spending more and more of our work days feeling frazzled and out of control.

While some stress is a normal part of the workplace, excessive stress can interfere with your productivity and reduce your physical and emotional health. Finding ways to manage workplace stress is not about making huge changes to every aspect of your work life or rethinking career ambitions. Rather, stress management requires focus on the one thing that’s always within your control: YOU.

The symptoms of stress can show up mentally, physically, emotionally or behaviorally, and within each category they cover a wide range of symptoms. Stress symptoms show up differently for each one of us.

This is because each of us experiences stress differently. Our stress responses are also widely different. Some people blush others pale, some eat more, some less.

There are numerous symptoms of stress from each of the four groups, as illustrated by the following list of dozens of common signs of stress as listed by the American Institute of Stress:

−              frequent headaches, jaw clenching or pain;

−              gritting, grinding teeth;

−              trouble learning new information;

−              forgetfulness, disorganization, confusion;

−              neck ache, back pain, muscle spasms;

−              frequent crying spells or suicidal thoughts;

−              feelings of loneliness or worthlessness;

−              increased frustration, irritability, edginess;

−              overreaction to petty annoyances;

−              unexplained or frequent "allergy" attacks;

−              increased number of minor accidents;

−              heartburn, stomach pain, nausea;

−              obsessive or compulsive behavior;

−              reduced work efficiency or productivity;

−              sudden attacks of panic;

−              excessive defensiveness or suspiciousness;

−              weight gain or loss without diet;

−              insomnia, nightmares, disturbing dreams;

−              increased smoking, alcohol or drug use;

−              excessive gambling or impulse buying.

As demonstrated in the list above symptoms of stress can show up in mind bogglingly, and have a huge impact on a sense of ourselves, our emotions, moods and behaviors.

When stress at work interferes with your ability to perform in your job, manage your personal life, or adversely impacts your health, it’s time to take action. Start by paying attention to your physical and emotional health. When your own needs are taken care of, you’re stronger and more resilient to stress. The better you feel, the better equipped you’ll be to manage work stress without becoming overwhelmed.

Get moving

Make food choices that keep you going

Drink alcohol in moderation and avoid nicotine

Get enough sleep

There is a number of organizational changes that managers and employers can make to reduce workplace stress:

1.            Improve communication

2.            Share information with employees to reduce uncertainty about their jobs and futures.

3.            Clearly define employees’ roles and responsibilities.

4.            Make communication friendly and efficient, not mean-spirited or petty.

5.            Consult your employees

6.            Give workers opportunities to participate in decisions that affect their jobs.

7.            Be sure the workload is suitable to employees’ abilities and resources; avoid unrealistic deadlines.

8.            Praise good work performance, both verbally and officially, through schemes such as Employee of the Month.

9.            Provide opportunities for career development.

10.        Make management actions consistent with organizational values.

To summarise, the most important thing is to maintain a sense of humor.  As a wise philosopher Elbert Hubbard said, "Don't take life too seriously; you'll never get out of it alive."  Try to remember what was stressful in your life six months ago or a year ago.  And you'll realize that you merely can’t. Remember that this day will be just another day of your life and whatever seems traumatic now will fade into oblivion as the time passes.

And don’t forget: stress comes from the fact that you know how to do the right thing, doing the opposite (Larry Winget).