Stress at work

Résumé du document

Even the most stable brain operates just a millimeter from madness. Stress is the body's way of responding to any kind of demand. It can be caused by both good and bad experiences. Many different things can cause stress - from physical (such as fear of something dangerous) to emotional (such as worry over the family or job.). Stress can be caused by overwork, anxiety about exams, money, job security, unemployment etc. Many changes that are apparently ?for the better', such as being promoted at work, going to a new school, moving to a new house, and getting married, are also a source of stress. In biology the term "stress" is generally used to refer to the bodily response that occurs in the presence of challenges to psychological and physiological homeostasis. Industrialized countries are now faced with an increasing burden of stress-related disorders.

Extraits

[...] Some companies organize holidays, or installing childcare and fitness centres. Work site wellness programs do more than lower costs. Here are just a few of the benefits realized by companies that have instituted the programs: Lethargic employees become more energized. The company's "good citizen" image shines by promoting community safety campaigns. Employees appreciate the "family environment" that results from a company's seminars and classes that include spouses and children. Communication is improved when employees realize that they share a common bond. [...]

[...] Stress at work Table of Contents Introduction 3. Factors of Stress at Work Different Sources of Stress at Work Place Example of Renault France 4. Understanding the Nature of Stress Human Brain in Response to Stress Consequences 5. How to reduce stress at work Individual Approach Organizational Approach Conclusion Bibliography Introduction Even the most stable brain operates just a millimeter from madness. Stress is the body's way of responding to any kind of demand. It can be caused by both good and bad experiences. [...]

[...] It sharpens the senses, focuses attention, raises the level of fear, quickens the heart rate, raises blood pressure, and in general prepares us for the worst. The cortisol system also plays an important role in the stress response. The hormone increases glucose stores and makes energy available during stress. Like adrenaline; cortisol is released during times of threat and is critical to survival. Cortisol redistributes the energy of our bodies when we are under attack; to help us survive, it suppresses functions that we do not need for immediate survival, including reproduction, the body's immune response, digestion, and the feeling of pain. [...]

[...] Cambridge University Press Gunnar Quevedo K. Neuro Biology of Stress and Development.” Annual Review of Psychology [serial online]. February 2007;58(1):145-173. Available from: Business Source Premier, Ipswich, MA. Accessed October Hellhammer J. Stress: The Brain-body Connection. Karger Publishers Hollinger, Peggy. “Experts Warn over French Workplace Suicides.” Guardian Feb http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/dae12d50-d0f3-11dc-953a- 0000779fd2ac.html?nclick_check=1 Levy A., Grauer E., Ben- Nathan D., de Kloet R. New frontiers on Stress Research. Modulation of brain functions. Informa Health Care Robins, Stephen. Organizational Behavior 11th edition. [...]

[...] As such, they can be modified or changed. Strategies that management might want to consider include improved personnel selection and job placement, use of realistic goal settings, redesigning jobs to give employees more responsibilities, more meaningful job, more autonomy. Increasing formal organizational communication with employees reduces ambiguity and role conflicts; so this is another solution. Given the importance that perceptions play in moderating the stress- response relationship, management can also use effective communication as a means to shape employee perceptions. [...]