Relevance and importance

Stress management is part of a manager's everyday activity, and their responsibility for the welfare of staff. Managers who feel stressed may create a stressful environment for their staff. Prevention is better than cure. Monitoring potential signs of stress and taking appropriate action can help reduce the adverse effects.

In the UK, 37 million working days per year are lost as a result of stress-related illness representing a loss of £3,000 million or 2% of the GNP.

Stress contributes to conflicts in the workplace and at home, poor productivity, high staff turnover, job dissatisfaction and industrial accidents.

Overview

Elements of stress:

Stressors - the factors which people report as causing stress.

Stress symptoms - the symptoms reported as a result of experiencing stressors.

Stress outcomes - the consequence of people experiencing stressors.

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Recommendations and practical tips

Identify:

	What is pressure? What is stress? When is it positive? When is it negative?
	Spot the warning signs of stress
	Recognise stress in others
	Optimise stress levels
	Find and use strategies to prevent stress
	Find and use strategies to manage stress

Efficient daily system:

	Set yourself clear goals
	Make daily plans
	Prioritise your to-do list
	Use a diary
	Empty your in-tray
	Work on one job at a time
	Allow time to think and plan
	Write a jobs to-do list for tomorrow
	Look after your physical needs

Warnings and potential pitfalls

Mental stress can affect you physically: for example, increased heart rate, sleeplessness, irritable bowel syndrome, eczema.

Stress can affect you emotionally: for example, mood swings, irritability, anger, depression.

Your stress may cause stress to those around you.

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