WORKPLACE STRESSORS

Stressing the Positive

Goal To reduce workplace stress factors. The participants will identify causes of work stress and develop possible solutions.

Time Required Approximately 1 to 11/2 hours

Group Size Three to five subgroups of no more than six persons each

Materials

• One copy of the Stressing the Positive Checklist and a pencil for each participant

• One copy of the Stressing the Positive Worksheet, one newsprint sheet, and a felttipped marker for each subgroup

• Flip chart and felt-tipped marker for recording information

• Masking tape for posting newsprint sheets

PROCESS

1. Introduce the session by explaining that certain organizational factors can contribute to high stress levels. A certain amount of stress keeps us from experiencing “rust-out,” whereby too few demands cause a lack of motivation. However, excessive or continuous stress can cause “burnout,” emotional and physical exhaustion that affects both our health and our work. Explain that participants will be identifying the sources of stress as the first step in learning how to deal with it.

2. Distribute one copy of the checklist and a pencil to each participant. Direct individuals to identify the things that they feel raise workplace stress levels.

3. Allow several minutes for task completion and then collect the checklists. Tally the number of responses to each item and record the top three to five items on a flip chart.

4. Use the list to lead a general discussion on each of the items with such questions as:

• Why does this happen?

• Is the factor that causes this stress within your control?

• What can your service team do to correct the situation?

• Who can you get to help with this situation?

5. Form three to five subgroups of no more than six persons each (depending on the number of stress factors listed) and assign one of the stressors to each subgroup.

6. Distribute one worksheet, one newsprint sheet, and a felt-tipped marker to each subgroup.

7. Direct the subgroups to complete the worksheet using the assigned stress factor. Then, using the newsprint sheet, the group should list at least three suggestions for reducing the stress factor. Each group should be prepared to present a full explanation of each idea.

8. Allow approximately 30 minutes for group work, giving a 5-minute warning before time expires.

9. Provide masking tape and ask the subgroups to post the newsprint sheets. Ask each subgroup in turn to report the background information from the worksheet and the three suggestions that were developed.

STRESSING THE POSITIVE CHECKLIST

Directions: Check off all the factors that you feel contribute to excessive stress in the workplace.

• ¨  Workload too heavy
• ¨  Time pressures
• ¨  Constantly changing priorities
• ¨  Lack of direction
• ¨  Too much direction
• ¨  Lack of performance feedback
• ¨  Lack of information
• ¨  Too much information
• ¨  Demands for higher productivity
• ¨  Demands for improved quality
• ¨  Meetings
• ¨  Interruptions
• ¨  Budget cuts
• ¨  Lack of staff
• ¨  Incompetent or unmotivated people
• ¨  Uncertainty of job security
• ¨  Strict policies and procedures

STRESSING THE POSITIVE WORKSHEET

Stress Factor:

Causes:

Possible Solutions:

Suggested Action Plan:

Resources Needed:

Possible Consequences: