TUCSON, Arizona, (November 1, 2017) – Are you feeling an uneasy ‘vibe’ at the office? Are co-workers clamming up, mumbling under their breath, or hiding behind a closed door? Pay attention, because it’s National Stress Awareness Day.
According to the American Institute of Stress, job stress has been a growing problem for decades and is linked to “heart attack(s,) hypertension, and other disorders.” Numerous studies have tried to pinpoint stress triggers (e.g. workload, employee ‘fit,’ and job types,) but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) thinks business leaders will find their answers by focusing more on poor protocols.
“The ways that work processes are structured and managed, called ‘work organization,’ can directly heighten or alleviate workers’ on-the-job stress,” writes the CDC. “Recent studies suggest that work organization also may have a broad influence on worker safety and health, and may contribute to (work) injury, work-related musculoskeletal disorders, cardiovascular disease, and even may intensify other occupational health concerns (such as complaints about indoor air quality.)”
“Stress can be a major hindrance to productivity in the workplace,” said Focus HR, Inc’s Chief Operating Officer, Greg Stutz. “Managing an open and healthy feedback loop with your team, to monitor and adjust workload, is the key.”
According to the CDC, one-fourth to one-third of all U.S. workers are reporting high levels of stress. Americans are spending about 8% more time on-the-job than they did 20 years ago, and about 13% are having to take on a second job.
CDC experts suggest a pro-active approach of “… clearly defining worker roles and responsibilities, improving communication, and making sure workers participate in decisions about their jobs.” Added Stutz, “Active management doesn’t stop at the management level. Maintaining and promoting a team mindset is fundamental, so everyone can help out at peak times.”
November 1, 2017 is National Stress Awareness Day. The first Wednesday in November is your chance to gauge your stress and the stress of your staff. Perhaps some open dialogue about stress management would help. Acknowledge the ‘elephant in the room’ and you could hear a collective sigh of relief. No matter what you decide, we recommend a deep breath and #Namaste #StressAwarenessDay #PeoplePerformancePrinciples
About Focus HR, Inc.
Focus HR, Inc. is a woman-owned human resource services provider established in 2003. The FOCUS team of specialists offers a suite of business solutions in 27 states and the District of Columbia. Services include payroll, benefits administration (e.g. employee health insurance & 401K retirement plans,) workers’ compensation, and compliance protection. Protecting People and Performance with Principles is the Focus HR, Inc. way.
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6802 E. Broadway Blvd.
Tucson, AZ 85710
520-721-6777 (main)
866-721-6777 (toll free)
520-721-6755 (fax)
