Death by Stress: For Whom the Bell Tolls

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It's not a line-item in your budget, but stress may be costing you and your company big bucks. Researchers at the American Institute of Stress estimate that workplace stress takes up at least 20% of a company's payroll; in addition, an estimated 50% of American executives will die from stress-related causes.

Though many factors contribute to work-related stress, it often results from a "mismatch" between a worker's capabilities and the job they are asked to fill. Studies show that stress management programs are more effective when tied to organizational changes, including programs that align employee' skill sets and resources with work assignments.

With this in mind, employers should try to maximize "job fit" - the degree to which a workload is in line with an employee's aptitudes and talent. Other ideas to reduce worker burnout suggested in a recent American Psychologist article include:

• Design jobs that provide meaning, stimulation and opportunities for workers to use their skills.
• Clearly define worker roles and responsibilities.
• Give workers opportunities to participate in decisions and actions affecting their jobs.
• Improve communications to reduce uncertainty about career development and future employment prospects.
• Provide opportunities for social interaction among workers.
• Establish work schedules that are compatible with demands and responsibilities outside the job.

By Dr. Ingeborg Hrabowy, LLC
Consulting Psychologist

To obtain more information on how Dr. Hrabowy can assist you or your company, contact her directly @ 440.838.5011 or email DocHrabowy@aol.com.   All inquiries are confidential.