Stressed

Deborah Houldlng of BMG online magazine explores the problem of work-related stress and examines ways in which it can be avoided. Stress is not an illness or a negative condition.

5 A certain amount of pressure brings out the best in our work. In the initial stages of stress there is a sensation of excitement and increased mental concentration.

However, too much stress is negative. It is bad

10 for the individual. It is also bad for the employing organisation. In the UK. for example, stress-related illness is the cause of half of lost working days.

The negative impact of stress is linked to heart disease, alcoholism, nervous breakdowns, job

15 dissatisfaction, certain forms of cancer, migraines, asthma, hay fever, insomnia, depression, eczema and many other medical and social problems.

Many surveys confirm the root cause of work-related stress to be bad management and

20 overwork. Too much pressure, long hours and poor communication are the main factors. Reports and studies have identified the principal cause of stress as 'new management techniques' designed to 'improve performance'. Policies such as

25 'performance-related pay" increase stress and demotivate a work force.

Many legal and medical experts are advising companies to consider the costs and legal implications of stress-related illness. They

30 emphasise the benefits of reducing stress as:

• better health

• reduced sickness absence

• increased performance and output

• better relationships with clients and colleagues 35 • lower staff turnover

Taking the decision to reduce stress makes sound business sense. It's better for profits and better for staff morale.

Managers should learn to motivate but not 40 exhaust employees. There is a balance between obtaining maximum efficiency, and a worker's need to rest and recuperate their creative energies.

13 Look at these sentences:

Managers should recognize their mistakes. (It's a good idea.)

Employees shouldn't work under unnecessary pressure. (It's not a good idea)

Make sentences that are true for you using should/shouldn't and the prompts below.

For example: work well / have a certain amount of pressure

To work well you should have a certain amount of pressure.

a companies / try / reduce the level of stress

b workers / work very long hours

c managers / communicate / ideas

d companies invest money improve conditions

e managers / learn / motivate workers

f workers have time / rest