PROMOTING WELLBEING &
MANAGING STRESS IN THE WORKPLACE
Stress is an increasing danger in the workplace. Employees at all levels within an organisation can be affected by stress and suffer poor performance and illness as a result.
According to a recent survey undertaken by the Institute of Management, 75% of executives report that stress adversely affects their health, happiness, home life and performance at work. The Health & Safety Executive have also indicated that stress is likely to become the biggest risk to business in the early-21st century.
Stress: how does it happen?
At its most instinctive level our body is designed either to stand and fight or to run away. Each of these options enable the body to release the build up of adrenaline that occurs naturally, thereby ridding the body of potential stress and tension.
When these instincts are transferred to our everyday lives, for example, to an office setting, a very different situation occurs and we control our bodies’ reactions during workplace experiences.
During stressful situations, such as a difficult meeting, we are not permitted to become physically aggressive, nor are we permitted to run away. As a result we will often experience a quickening heartbeat, tightening of muscles, a rise in blood pressure, suppression of the immune system, dilation of the pupils, holding of breath and a loss of focus.
Essentially, the body is not able to fight or flee to rid itself of the pressures placed upon it. As a result the body absorbs these pressures in a negative fashion. Jin Sei Kai identified this as negative responses that the body stores in the muscle memory. Repeated experiences of this nature over many months and years develop tension as the muscles shorten and become stiff and weak. This downward spiral occurs because the body does not have a release mechanism and the stress to our bodies becomes worse during a slow and steady breakdown.
Common illnesses and physical conditions that occur as a result of stress include: high blood pressure, migraines, irritable bowel, skin irritations, arthritis, sluggish memory, emotional problems and personality changes.
Jin Sei Kai Corporate Services International has worked with individuals, groups and organisations for over twelve years to counter and minimise the impact of stress and stress-related conditions.
Jin Sei Kai provides participants with the understanding, knowledge and awareness to manage stressful situations, should they arise. By equipping employees with this capability, organisations encourage productivity and minimise ill health and absenteeism.
An employers’ responsibility to minimise stress
Many organisations are recognising the impact of stress on employee wellbeing and overall business performance. As a result they are investing in innovative techniques to improve employees’ ability to recognise, address and manage stress.
Although there is no statute specifically covering the issue of stress in the workplace, current legislation under the European framework directive 83/391 requires all employers to have a “duty to ensure the safety and health of every aspect related to work” in so far as they entail a risk to health and safety. This duty does cover work-related stress and its causes and as such organisations are seeking ways to facilitate stress management in the workplace.
