Hi jAVIER,
I would like to contribute some points on stress mgt.One of the citehr members have given a fairly good idea about stress .
Stress is something which we experience in our day to day life-we feel anxious to the extent that there is butterflies in the stomach,palpitation increases,we are not able to concentrate on our work ,we will either show a fight/flight reaction to reduce stress.such kind of responses to combat stress over a period of time will be detrimental to the mental and physical health of the employees.the biological effect of stress is a concern.It may take the form of acidity,peptic ulcer and not to mention about the chances of having heart attacks and even diabetes-associated with the lifestyles of the people.
Basically internal and external factors contribute to stress.Personality types predisposes a person to stress and plays an important role in the ways in which the employees combat stress .type A Personalities are more prone to stress than Type B,they are at more risk.Stress for a long period will deplete the individual and ultimately leading to burn outs.
Coming to the external factors if one doesn't have the required skill to perform a job one will definitely feel inadequate and if they don't seek the help from someone,it will definitely be stressful.unreasonable performance demand is another crucial factor.Interpersonal problems with boss/ colleagues are all stressful.unable to meet the deadline is another source of stress at the work place.
nowadays more importance is gi given to the integration of work and family life.So the corporates should provide facilities like creche etc so that working mothers can lead a normal life .
If the corporates can do personality assessments with the help of psychologist ,assessment of type A people will help in keeping periodic check on the problems if any faced by them rather than having a snow
ball effect.Corporates can conduct yoga classes,relaxation session where relaxation techniques can be taught ,even regular exercise by providing a gym int eh workplace will help.Even at the individual level breathing exercises while at work can be done.One can control negative thoughts by chanting words like Om/Ma-something which gives u feeling of security,comfort and belongingness.Even employees can visualize a peaceful,calm and beautiful imagery for quite sometime.It will be useful.
Corporates can provide yoga classes, relaxation sessions,music therapy or provide opportunity to pursue some personal interests/hobbies so that they have a sound work force-mentally and physically
Rakhee