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Welcome
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I'm out of balance.
That's what my recent Kiersey Personality Zone report told me: "I tend to work for a better future for all, and if things keep going badly I lose hope and become stressed. And when people like me (I'm an ENFJ, Idealist-Teacher) experience great stress, I can also have muscle or sensory problems."
And I thought it was from shoveling too much snow.
If you promise not to share it with anyone, I'll let you see my full Idealist-Teacher profile.
Each personality type has different stressors and copes in different ways. Better understanding of your own stressors and coping mechanisms may help you reduce the tension and anxiety during these difficult times.
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Four Ways To Reduce Job Stress.
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Being a positive role model, keeping stress levels in the workplace to a minimum, is in everyone's best interest.
 Time magazine's June 6, 1983 cover story called stress "The Epidemic of the Eighties" and referred to it as our leading health problem. If that was then, what about now?
According to the American Institute of Stress (yes, there is such an organization), job stress "is far and away the leading source of stress for adults."
What you can do to reduce stress at work
It's in a leader's best interest to keep stress levels in the workplace to a minimum. Managers must act as positive role models, especially in times of high stress. If someone we admire and respect remains calm, it is much easier for us to remain calm.
There are also organizational changes that managers and businesses can make to reduce workplace stress.
1. Improve communication
Share information with employees to reduce uncertainty about their jobs and futures.
Clearly define people's roles and responsibilities.
Make communication friendly and efficient, not mean-spirited or petty.
2. Consult your employees
Give workers opportunities to participate in decisions that affect their jobs.
Consult employees about scheduling and work rules.
Be sure the workload is suitable to abilities and resources; avoid unrealistic deadlines.
Show that all individuals are valued.
3. Offer rewards and incentives
Praise good work performance verbally and institutionally.
Provide opportunities for career development.
Promote an "entrepreneurial" work climate that gives your team more control over their work.
4. Cultivate a friendly social climate
Provide opportunities for social interaction among employees.
Establish a zero-tolerance policy for harassment.
Make management actions consistent with organizational values.
Related links for job and workplace stress
General information about stress at work:
STRESS... At Work - Highlights current knowledge about the causes of stress at work and outlines steps that can be taken to prevent it. (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)
Workplace Stress - Describes the signs, causes, and effects of stress in general and on the job, and how management and employees can deal with workplace stress. (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety)
Stress in the Workplace: A Costly Epidemic - Delineates the causes and costs of workplace stress and also includes ideas for coping with stress on the job. Includes warning signs of stress (to the left of the article). (Fairleigh Dickinson University)
Managing and reducing job stress:
Managing Job Stress: 10 Strategies for Coping and Thriving at Work - From a career advice and job-search site, describing stress management techniques for the workplace. (Quintessential Careers)
Stress in the Workplace - Workplace stress from the employee's point of view; gives suggestions for gaining control over some aspects of one's job. (American Psychological Association)
Managing Job Stress - Readable, employee-centered site providing a wealth of strategies for reducing workplace stress. (Portland Community College)
Workplace Stress and Your Health - Covers the dangers of work-related stress and what can you do about it. (Web MD)
Work stress tips for employers and managers:
Reducing Occupational Stress - Guide for managers and supervisors on how to make changes in the workplace to reduce stress. (Job Stress Network)
Reducing Stress in the Workplace - Presented from management's point of view, this article offers strategies for stress reduction that benefit employees and corporations alike. (The Institute for Management Excellence)
Information provided in this newsletter is attributed, in part, to
Kiersey Personality Zone and non-profit, Helpguide.org.
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Job Coaching & Transition Consulting
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Executive Search International has a new division that specializes in individual job coaching and transition consulting for professionals, managers and executives.
Our services include: Job Search Strategizing, Resume/Cover Letter Development and Critique, Career/Job Resources, Personal Self Assessment, Interview Preparation and Coaching, Follow-up Strategies, Salary Negotiation, and Relocation Tools. Email me for more information.
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If you would you like to comment about this article, or have ideas about future articles, please email me at les@execsearchintl.com.
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