Workplace Stress Management Quiz

Work-related Stress

• Objectives:
  • Understand the effects of stress on mental health in the workplace.
  • Learn basic strategies for managing stress.

What is Workplace Stress?

• Workplace stress is a conflict between job demands and the amount of control an employee has over those demands.
• High demands and low control result in stress.

Characteristics of Workplace Stress

• Fear of job redundancy.
• Layoffs.
• Increased demands due to staff cutbacks or insufficient qualified staff.
• Pressure to perform with decreased job satisfaction.
• Constant demands to work at optimum performance.

Effects of Workplace Stress

• Job dissatisfaction.
• Employee turnover.
• Reduced efficiency.
• Illness (sometimes leading to death).
• Absenteeism.
• Alcoholism.
• Petty internal politics.
• Poor or snap decisions.
• Apathy.
• Lack of motivation or creativity.

Effects of Stress (Stress-Brain Loop)

• Chronic stress leads to inadequate sleep, poor nutrition, and emotional distress.
• This decreases the regulation of cortisol.
• This leads to issues with: attention, perception, short-term memory, learning, and word-finding.
• Increased glucocorticoids increase cellular changes in the hippocampus.

Healthy Stress

• A challenging job with exciting new goals.
• Overcoming work obstacles.
• Resolving people concerns.
• Reaching team goals.

Physical Signs of Too Much Stress

• Increased blood pressure.
• Faster heartbeat and metabolism.
• Decreased protein synthesis, poor digestion, and a depressed immune response.
• Increased cholesterol.
• Local inflammation.
• Faster blood clotting.
• Increased blood sugar and stomach acids.

Sleep Deprivation

• Effects of sleep deprivation: Irritability, Cognitive impairment, Memory lapses or loss, Impaired moral judgment, Severe yawning, Hallucinations, Symptoms similar to ADHD, and Impaired immune system.
• Other effects include increased heart rate variability, Risk of heart disease, Decreased reaction time and accuracy, Tremors, and Aches.

Ways to Recognize Stress in Yourself and Others

• Physical: Headaches, teeth grinding, chest pain, shortness of breath, high blood pressure, muscle aches, indigestion, constipation/diarrhea, increased perspiration, fatigue, insomnia, frequent illness.
• Psychosocial: Anxiety, irritability, sadness, defensiveness, anger, mood swings, hypersensitivity, apathy, depression, slowed thinking or racing thoughts, feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, or being trapped.
• Behavioral: Overeating or loss of appetite, impatience, quickness to argue, procrastination, increased use of alcohol or drugs, increased smoking, withdrawal or isolation, neglect of responsibility, poor job performance, poor personal hygiene, changes in religious practices, or changes in close family relationships.

Dealing With Workplace Stress (Employer)

• Treat employees respectfully.
• Take stress seriously and be understanding of staff pressures.
• Involve employees in decision-making, allowing direct input or committee input.
• Encourage managers to be proactive and watch for employees' stress signals.
• Provide workplace health and safety programs.
• Ensure adequate and ongoing training for staff.
• Design jobs with balanced workloads and reasonable demands.
• Provide access to employee assistance programs.

Dealing With Workplace Stress (Managers)

• Do not tolerate bullying or harassment.
• Do not ignore signs of employee stress.
• Remember that elements of the workplace can be a cause of stress, and look for root causes.
• Make positive changes to the workplace to lessen stress for everyone.
• Show recognition and appreciation.
• Look for opportunities to rotate jobs or provide training.
• Consider task distribution.

Dealing With Workplace Stress (Employees)

• Find ways to laugh and share jokes.
• Find humor around you.
• Look for the bright side.
• Relax with deep breathing and stretching.
• Take breaks.
• Prioritize and organize your day.
• Be honest and constructive with colleagues.
• Seek realistic ways to make small changes.
• Talk to someone close when you are struggling.
• Use employee assistance programs and courses.

10 Tips for Mental Health

• Build confidence
• Eat well and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• Spend time with family and friends.
• Provide and accept support
• Create a meaningful budget
• Volunteer and be of service
• Actively manage stress before it gets out of hand
• Seek strength from allies.
• constructively deal with moods.
• Learn to be at peace with yourself.

This quiz explores the concept of workplace stress, its causes, and its effects on mental health. It also provides strategies for managing stress effectively in a professional setting. Test your knowledge on the impact of stress in the workplace and learn to navigate it better.