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PROJECT On Stress Management by Karan Pathak Final PDF
PROJECT On Stress Management by Karan Pathak Final PDF
ON
“STRESS MANAGEMENT”
BACHELOR OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES
SEMESTER VI
2018-2019
SUBMITTED
IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF REQUIRMENT FOR THE
AWARD OF DEGREE OF
BACHELOR IN MANAGEMENT STUDIES
BY
KARAN OMKAR PATHAK
ROLL NO- 187568
T.Y. (B.M.S)
(2018-2019)
GUIDED BY
PROF: AMIT SINHA
1
DECLARATION
OF AS MY ACADEMIC FULFILLMENT.
BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE.
DATE: _________________
PLACE: _________________
KARAN PATHAK
(T.Y.B.M.S)
SIGNATURE
2
CERTIFICATE
PLACE:-______________
DATE:- __________
3
BACHELOR OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES
CERTIFICATE
PLACE: KALYAN
DATE:
4
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
5
INDEX
6
CHAPTER :1
INTRODUCTION
A lot of research has been conducted into stress over the last hundred years.
Some of the theories behind it are now settled and accepted; others are still being
researched and debated. During this time, there seems to have been something
approaching open warfare between competing theories and definitions: Views have
been passionately held and aggressively defended.
What complicates this is that intuitively we all feel that we know what stress is,
as it is something we have all experienced.
Stress refers to the strain from the conflict between our external environment and us,
leading to emotional and physical pressure. In our fast paced world, it is impossible to
live without stress, whether you are a student or a working adult. There is both positive
and negative stress, depending on each individual’s unique perception of the tension
between the two forces. Not all stress is bad. For example, positive stress, also known
as eustress, can help an individual to function at optimal effectiveness and efficiency.
Hence, it is evident that some form of positive stress can add more color and
vibrancy to our lives. The presence of a deadline, for example, can push us to make the
most of our time and produce greater efficiency. It is important to keep this in mind, as
stress management refers to using stress to our advantage, and not on eradicating the
presence of stress in our lives.
On the other hand, negative stress can result in mental and physical strain. The
individual will experience symptoms such as tensions, headaches, irritability and in
extreme cases, heart palpitations. Hence, whilst some stress may be seen as a motivating
force, it is important to manage stress levels so that it does not have an adverse impact
on your health and relationships.
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Part of managing your stress levels include learning about how stress can affect
you emotionally and physically, as well as how to identify if you are performing at your
optimal stress level (OSL) or if you are experiencing negative stress. This knowledge
will help you to identify when you need to take a break, or perhaps seek professional
help. It is also your first step towards developing techniques to managing your stress
levels.
Modern day stresses can take the form of monetary needs, or emotional
frictions. Competition at work and an increased workload can also cause greater levels
of stress. How do you identify if you are suffering from excessive stress? Psychological
symptoms commonly experienced include insomnia, headaches and an inability to
focus. Physical symptoms take the form of heart palpitations, breathlessness, excessive
sweating and stomachaches.
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placement, training and development, performance appraisal and job evaluation,
employee and executive remuneration, motivation and communication, welfare, safety
and health, industrial relations and the like.
Thus, when the stress levels among the employees begin to rise as they deal
with more and more clients, they would put up an even greater resistance to
their own emotions. Over time, the professional may not be able to relax that
emotional resistance. All their emotions would be masked and retained
within themselves, resulting ultimately in mental and emotional disorders.
In stressful times, employees are often displeased or angry at something.
However, there are usually limited channels in which employees can express
their views. Since opinions, views, and feelings cannot always be expressed
to anyone to change the current situation, there would be an accumulation
of anger and frustration within the individual. Up to a certain point, the anger
would be released, usually at the wrong person or time, such as colleagues,
9
clients, or family members. This symptom has a tremendous impact on
society because there is a potential that it may h urt other people.
When working in a team environment our stress is relayed to the rest of the
team resulting in a decline of team performance making team building an
imperative goal. For some a potential stressful situation leads to the effect
of "riding on the crest of a wave" because it generates a certain chemical
reaction in the body that gives exhilaration. For others, the same
circumstances lead to different chemical reactions, which result in loss of
performance.
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DEFENITIONS OF STRESS
“Stress results from an imbalance between demands and resources” Cox,
stress,1978
“Stress occurs when perceived pressure exceeds your ability to cope” palmer,
“occupational stress”, 1989.
Hans Selye was one of the founding fathers of stress research. His view in 1956
was that “stress is not necessarily something bad – it all depends on how you
take it. The stress of exhilarating, creative successful work is beneficial, while
that of failure, humiliation or infection is detrimental.” Selye believed that the
biochemical effects of stress would be experienced irrespective of whether the
situation was positive or negative.
Since then, a great deal of further research has been conducted, and ideas have
moved on. Stress is now viewed as a "bad thing", with a range of harmful
biochemical and long-term effects. These effects have rarely been observed in
positive situations.
The most commonly accepted definition of stress (mainly attributed to Richard
S Lazarus) is that stress is a condition or feeling experienced when a person
perceives that “demands exceed the personal and social resources the individual
is able to mobilize.” In short, it's what we feel when we think we've lost control
of events.
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Problems due to stress
1. Heart disease. Researchers have long suspected that the stressed-out, type A
personality has a higher risk of high blood pressure and heart problems. We don't know
why, exactly. Stress can directly increase heart rate and blood flow, and causes the
release of cholesterol and triglycerides into the blood stream. It's also possible that
stress is related to other problems -- an increased likelihood of smoking or obesity --
that indirectly increase the heart risks.
Doctors do know that sudden emotional stress can be a trigger for serious cardiac
problems, including heart attacks. People who have chronic heart problems need to
avoid acute stress -- and learn how to successfully manage life's unavoidable stresses -
- as much as they can.
2. Asthma. Many studies have shown that stress can worsen asthma. Some evidence
suggests that a parent's chronic stress might even increase the risk of developing asthma
in their children. One study looked at how parental stress affected the asthma rates of
young children who were also exposed to air pollution or whose mothers smoked
during pregnancy. The kids with stressed out parents had a substantially higher risk of
developing asthma.
3. Obesity. Excess fat in the belly seems to pose greater health risks than fat on the legs
or hips -- and unfortunately, that's just where people with high stress seem to store it.
"Stress causes higher levels of the hormone cortisol," says Winner, "and that seems to
increase the amount of fat that's deposited in the abdomen."
4. Diabetes. Stress can worsen diabetes in two ways. First, it increases the likelihood of
bad behaviors, such as unhealthy eating and excessive drinking. Second, stress seems
to raise the glucose levels of people with type 2 diabetes directly.
5. Headaches. Stress is considered one of the most common triggers for headaches -- not
just tension headaches, but migraines as well.
6. Depression and anxiety. It's probably no surprise that chronic stress is connected with
higher rates of depression and anxiety. One survey of recent studies found that people
who had stress related to their jobs -- like demanding work with few rewards -- had an
80% higher risk of developing depressionwithin a few years than people with lower
stress.
7. Gastrointestinal problems. Here's one thing that stress doesn't do -- it doesn't cause
ulcers. However, it can make them worse. Stress is also a common factor in many other
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GI conditions, such as chronic heartburn (or gastroesophageal reflux disease, GERD)
and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Winner says.
8. Alzheimer's disease. One animal study found that stress might worsen Alzheimer's
disease, causing its brain lesions to form more quickly. Some researchers speculate that
reducing stress has the potential to slow down the progression of the disease.
9. Accelerated aging. There's actually evidence that stress can affect how you age. One
study compared the DNA of mothers who were under high stress -- they were caring
for a chronically ill child -- with women who were not. Researchers found that a
particular region of the chromosomes showed the effects of accelerated aging. Stress
seemed to accelerate aging about 9 to 17 additional years.
10. Premature death. A study looked at the health effects of stress by studying elderly
caregivers looking after their spouses -- people who are naturally under a great deal of
stress. It found that caregivers had a 63% higher rate of death than people their age who
were not caregivers.
Chronic Stress
When someone is under chronic stress, it begins to negatively affect his or her physical
and mental health. The body’s stress response was not made to be continuously
engaged. Many people encounter stress from multiple sources, including work; money,
health, and relationship worries; and media overload.
With so many sources of stress, it is difficult to find time to relax and disengage. This
is why stress is one of the biggest health problems facing people today.
Chronic stress increases the risk of developing health problems including obesity,
diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and a weakened immune system. Chronic stress also
affects a person’s mental health. Many studies show a correlation between stress and
the development of mood disorders such as anxiety disorders and depression.
According to the American Psychological Association’s latest stress survey, 66 percent
of people regularly experience physical symptoms of stress, and 63 percent experience
psychological symptoms.
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University of California, Berkeley, has discovered new insight into why stress can be
so detrimental to a person’s psyche.
Previous research has found physical differences in the brains of people with stress
disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and those without. One of the
main distinctions is that the ratio of the brain’s white matter to gray matter is higher in
those with stress-related mental disorders compared to those without.
People who experience chronic stress have more white matter in some areas of the
brain. The UC Berkeley study wanted to find out the underlying reason for this
alteration in the brain composition.
Gray Matter
Gray matter in the brain is composed mainly of two types of cells: neurons, which
process and store information, and glia, cells that support the neurons.
White matter mostly is composed of axons, which form a network of fibers to connect
the neurons. It is called white matter because of the white, fatty “sheath” of myelin
coating that insulates the nerves and accelerates the transmission of the signals between
the cells.
For this study, the researchers focused on the cells that produce myelin in the brain to
see if they could find a connection between stress and the proportion of gray brain
matter to white.
Hippocampus
The researchers performed a series of experiments on adult rats, focusing on
the hippocampus region of the brain (which regulates memory and emotions). During
the experiments, they found the neural stem cells behaved differently than expected.
Prior to this study, the general belief was that these stem cells would only become
neurons or astrocyte cells, a type of glial cell. However, under stress, these cells became
another type of glial cells, oligodendrocyte, which are the myelin-producing cells.
These cells also help form the synapses, which are the communication tools that allow
nerve cells to exchange information.
14
Thus, chronic stress causes more myelin-producing cells and fewer neurons. This
disrupts the balance in the brain, causing communication in the brain cells to lose its
normal timing, which could lead to problems.
If the amygdala and hippocampus have a stronger connection, the response to fear is
more rapid. If the connection between the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus is
weaker, then the ability to calm down and shut off the stress response is impaired.
Therefore, in a stressful situation, a person with this imbalance will have a stronger
response with a limited ability to shut down that response.
Oligodencdrocyte Cells
This study shows that the oligodendrocyte cells might play a key role in long-term
changes to the brain that could lead to mental health problems. The researchers also
believe that the stem cells which, due to chronic stress, are becoming myelin-producing
cells rather than neurons, affect cognitive function, because it is the neurons that process
and transmit the electrical information necessary for learning and memory skills.
More research is required to verify these findings, including studying humans rather
than rats, which the researchers have planned. However, this study provides important
insight into why chronic stress affects the brain and mental health, and how early
intervention can help prevent the development of certain mental health problems.
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CHAPTER 2:
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
DATA COLLECTION:
Data was collected by using various methods. For the purpose of fulfilling
the objectives of the study and for completing the project, both primary and
secondary sources of data were collected.
PRIMARY DATA
The primary data are those which are collected a fresh and for the
first, and thus happens to be original hi character. We can obtain primary
data through observation or through direct communication with
respondents in form or another or through personal interview. There are
several methods of electing primary data, but in this research work primary
data collected by using questionnaire.
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QUESTIONNAIRE
The respondents were told to mark their answers in the questionnaire itself
on the basis of the scale given in it. The scale covered the wide range from
the most positive to the most negative answer.
These questions helped us to have an insight into the ongoing source of role
stress and also the ideas of the various executives on how to overcome role
stress
INTERVIEW
SECONDARY DATA
Secondary data means data that are already available i.e. they refer to the data
which have been already been collected and analyzed by someone else. When the
researcher utilizes secondary data, then he has to look into various sources from he can
obtain them. Secondary data may either be published data or abolished data. In this
research work, secondary data collected through the Internet Company manual and
booklets Books etc.
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Primary data:-
Secondary data:
Book, manuscript, letter, magazine, internet etc. are the secondary
or documentary source. The researcher forth is dissertation has decided to
use any source assenter view schedule and secondary source as books and
internet for data collection.
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Processing:-
The collection of data is over the main step top arranged for
processing and analysis of data. So the interview can be made resulting
information theories. The first step is editing, is a process of examining the
data collection in interview schedule to defect efforts and mission and to
see that they are corrected and the rules prepared tabulations.
Editing
The preparation of the data forms for tabulations must include on
operational judge for accepting, modifying or resection individual
questionnaire.
Tabulation:
Tabulation is a process of summarizing raw and display it in
compact forms further analysis. Analysis of data is made possible through
tables. These tables made for different variables and to show relationship
with each other.
Interpretation of data
Analysis and interpretation are central step in research process. The goal
of lyses is to summarize o collected data in such a way that they provide
answer to and triggered the researcher. Interpretation is the research for the
broader ling of research finding. The questionnaire is preceded a few
encoded ones are classified the code were verified before transferred to the
master chart.
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OBJECTIVE
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HYPOTHESIS
Assumption which explains the facts gave rise to the need of explanations. This
means that by using the hypothesis plus other and accepted generalization one should
be able to deduce the original problem condition.
The formulation of hypothesis or proposition as to the possible answers to the
research questions is an importance steps in the process of formulation of the research
problem. Hypothesis is usually considered as the principal instrument in research. Its
main function is to suggest new experiment and observations. Keen observation,
creative thinking, hunch, unit, imagination, vision, insight and sound judgment are of
greater importance in setting up reasonable hypotheses. A thorough knowledge about
the phenomenon and related fields is of great value in its process. The formulation of
hypotheses plays an important part in the growth of knowledge in every science. The
hypotheses are formulated to facilitate the findings of the research study.
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SCOPE
This study of the stress management depends on the people’s day to day life
workings and the problems they faced in their every day life
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CHAPTER. 3
LITERATURE REVIEW
TYPES OF STRESS
Chronic
Stress
Music
Biological
Mechanical
Mechanical
Stress (physics), the average amount of force exerted per unit area.
Yield stress, the stress at which a material begins to deform plastically.
Compressive stress, the stress applied to materials resulting in their compaction.
Biological
Chronic stress, persistent stress which can lead to illness and mental
disorder
Eustress, positive stress that can lead to improved long-term functioning
Workplace stress, stress caused by employment
Music
Accent (music).
Stress (band), an early '80s melodic rock band from San Diego.
Stress (punk band), an early '80s punk rock band from Athens.
Stress (Neo-Psychedelic band), from the late 1980's.
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Stress, a song by the French band Justice on their debut album
Other
Stress (physics), the average amount of force exerted per unit area.
Stress is a measure of the average amount of force exerted per unit area. It is a
measure of the intensity of the total internal forces acting within a body across
imaginary internal surfaces, as a reaction to external applied forces and body forces.
It was introduced into the theory of elasticity by Cauchy around 1822. Stress is a
concept that is based on the concept of continuum. In general, stress is expressed as
Where
Chronic Stress
Chronic stress is stress that lasts a long time or occurs frequently. Chronic stress is
potentially damaging.
upset stomach
headache
backache
insomnia
anxiety
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depression
anger
In the most severe cases it can lead to panic attacks or a panic disorder.
There are a variety of methods to control chronic stress, including exercise, healthy
diet, stress management, relaxation techniques, adequate rest, and relaxing hobbies.
Ensuring a healthy diet containing magnesium may help control or eliminate stress, in
those individuals with lower levels of magnesium or those who have a magnesium
deficiency. Chronic stress can also lead to a magnesium deficiency, which can be a
factor in continued chronic stress, and a whole host of other negative medical conditions
caused by a magnesium deficiency.
It has been discovered that there is a huge upsurge in the number of people who suffer
from this condition. A very large number of these new cases suffer from insomnia.
There are many different causes of stress, and that which causes stress is also
known as a stressor. Common lifestyle stressors include performance, threat, and
bereavement stressors, to name a few. Performance stressors are triggered when an
individual is placed in a situation where he feels a need to excel. This could be during
performance appraisals, lunch with the boss, or giving a speech. Threat stressors are
usually when the current situation poses a dangerous threat, such as an economic
downturn, or from an accident. Lastly, bereavement stressors occur when there is a
sense of loss such as the death of a loved one, or a prized possession.
Thus, there are various stressors, and even more varied methods and techniques
of dealing with stress and turning it to our advantages. In order to do so, we must learn
to tell when we have crossed the line from positive to negative stress.
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A lot of things can cause stress. You may feel stress when you go on a job
interview, take a test, or run a race. These kinds of short-term stress are normal. Long-
term (chronic) stress is caused by stressful situations or events that last over a long
period of time, like problems at work or conflicts in your family. Over time, chronic
stress can lead to severe health problems.
Your health, especially if you have a chronic illness such as heart disease,
diabetes, or arthritis
Emotional problems, such as anger you can't express, depression, grief, guilt, or
low self-esteem
Major life changes, such as dealing with the death of a parent or spouse, losing
your job, getting married, or moving to a new city
Stress in your family, such as having a child, teen, or other family member who
is under stress, or being a caregiver to a family member who is elderly or who
has health problems.
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Conflicts with your beliefs and values. For example, you may value family life,
but you may not be able to spend as much time with your family as you want.
Your social situation. Not having enough money to cover your expenses, feeling
lonely, or facing discrimination based on your race, gender, age, or sexual can
add stress to your life.
Your job. Being unhappy with your work or finding your job too demanding
can lead to chronic stress. Learn how to manage job stress.
Unemployment. Losing your job or not being able to find work can also add to
your stress level.
There are 4 main categories of stress, namely eustress, distress, hyper stress and
hypo stress. Negative stress can cause many physical and psychological problems,
whilst positive stress can be very helpful for us. Here’s how we differentiate between
them.
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Eustress:
This is a positive form of stress, which prepares your mind and body for the
imminent challenges that it has perceived. Eustress is a natural physical reaction by
your body which increases blood flow to your muscles, resulting in a higher heart rate.
Athletes before a competition or perhaps a manager before a major presentation would
do well with eustress, allowing them to derive the inspiration and strength that is
needed.
Distress
We are familiar with this word, and know that it is a negative form of stress. This occurs
when the mind and body is unable to cope with changes, and usually occurs when there
are deviations from the norm. They can be categorized into acute stress and chronic
stress. Acute stress is intense, but does not last for long. On the other hand, chronic
stress persists over a long period of time. Trigger events for distress can be a change
in job scope or routine that the person is unable to handle or cope with.
Hyper stress
This is another form of negative stress that occurs when the individual is unable to cope
with the workload. Examples include highly stressful jobs, which require longer
working hours than the individual can handle. If you suspect that you are suffering from
hyper stress, you are likely to have sudden emotional breakdowns over insignificant
issues, the proverbial straws that broke the camel’s back. It is important for you to
recognize that your body needs a break, or you may end up with severe and chronic
physical and psychological reactions.
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Hypo stress
Lastly, hypo stress occurs when a person has nothing to do with his time and feels
constantly bored and unmotivated. This is due to an insufficient amount of stress; hence
some stress is inevitable and helpful to us. Companies should avoid having workers
who experience hypo stress as this will cause productivity and mindfulness to fall. If
the job scope is boring and repetitive, it would be a good idea to implement some form
of job rotation so that there is always something new to learn.
The types of stress are named as eustress and distress. Distress is the most
commonly-referred to type of stress, having negative implications, whereas eustress is
a positive form of stress, usually related to desirable events in person's life. Both can
be equally taxing on the body, and are cumulative in nature, depending on a person's
way of adapting to a change that has caused it.
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COPING WITH STRESS AT WORK PLACE
With the rapid advancement of technology, the stresses faced at work have also
increased. Many people dread going to work, hence the term “Monday Blues”. What is
the reason for this? There is partly the fear from being retrenched in bad times, leading
to greater job insecurity on the part of those who remain. Undoubtedly, occupational
stress is one of the most commonly cited stressors faced by people all over the world.
Stress refers to the pressure and reactions to our environment which results in
psychological and physical reactions. Whilst some stress is good for motivation and
increasing efficiency, too much stress can result in negative impacts such as reduced
effectiveness and efficiency. More and more people are feeling isolated and
disrespected at work, and this has led to greater occupational stress. Many companies
have taken to consulting experts and professionals on ways to increase connectedness
and motivation of their employees.
Some companies organize parties and make their employees feel valued at work. These
are measures to motivate employees and help them to feel secure at their jobs,
30
translating into greater productivity. However, not all companies have such measures
in place, and some have not gotten it quite right. Hence, it is up to you to make sure that
you can cope with stress at your workplace, and use it to help you work better. Here are
3 simple steps to help you with coping with stress in the workplace.
Help yourself to identify when you are facing rising levels of stress, tipping the scales
from positive to negative. This is important, as being able to identify signs of being
stressed can help you to take steps to ensure that your overall quality of life does not
drop. If left unacknowledged, the problem will only snowball, leading to disastrous
consequences to your health and overall wellbeing.
You can identify if you are feeling stressed by checking if you have any physical or
psychological reactions, such as excessive sweating or heart palpitations, or the onset
of headaches, irritability or the need to escape. If you experience any of these reactions,
identify if you are feeling any overwhelming negative emotions, and if you are
constantly worried.
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Step 2: Identify the Cause
You need to be able to analyze the situation and identify what is causing the rise in
stress. These stressors can be external and internal. External stressors refer to things
beyond your control, such as the environment or your colleagues at work. Internal
stressors refer to your own thinking and attitude. Often, we only start reacting to stress
when a combination of stressors working together exceeds our ability to cope.
Keep a diary or a list of events that have caused you to feel strong negative emotions,
or that are likely stressors. This will help you to identify the causes of your stress. Whilst
it is not always possible to eradicate them, we can change the way that we cope with it.
In order to deal with the situation that is causing you stress, you need to calm your mind
and body so as to stave off the reactions and cope with it in a positive way. This can be
through different methods, such as taking time off. If a situation is triggering your stress
and you are unable to calm down, remove yourself from it. Go outside and take a walk
to calm down. Alternatively, you can try implementing relaxation techniques such as
deep breathing. If it is an internal stressor, stop your thought process until you are able
to deal with it logically.
The key to making these 3 steps work for you is to practice them. These are not
instantaneous solutions, and you need to condition your mind and practice them so that
you can implement it when you are feeling stressed.
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STRESS MANAGEMENT
Stress management is the need of the hour. However hard we try to go beyond
a stress situation, life seems to find new ways of stressing us out and plaguing us with
anxiety attacks. Moreover, be it our anxiety, mind-body exhaustion or our erring
attitudes, we tend to overlook causes of stress and the conditions triggered by those. In
such unsettling moments we often forget that stressors, if not escapable, are fairly
manageable and treatable.
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REMEDIES TO REDUCE STRESS
1. Individual approaches
2. Organizational approaches
1. INDIVIDUAL APPROACHES
An employee can take individual responsibility to reduce his/her stress level. Individual
strategies that have proven effective include, implementing time management
techniques, increasing physical exercise, relaxation training, and expanding the social
support network.
Time management
Many people manage their time very poorly. Some of well known time
management principles include,
Making daily list of activities to be accomplished
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Scheduling activities according to the priorities set
Prioritizing activities by importance and urgency
Knowing your daily cycle and handling the most demanding parts of your job.
Physical exercise
Relaxation training
Social support
Having families, friends or work colleagues to talk provides an outlet, when stress
levels become excessive. So expand your social support network that helps you with
someone to hear your problems.
2. ORGANIZATIONAL APPROACHES
Several of the factors that cause stress particularly task and role demands and
organizations structure are controlled by management. As such they can be modified or
changed. Some of the strategies that management want to consider include improved
personal self section and job placement, use of realistic goal setting, redesigning of
jobs, improved organizational communication and establishment of corporate wellness
programmed.
Certain jobs are more stressful than others. Individual with little experience or an
external lower of control tend to be more proven to stress. Selection and placement
decisions should take these facts into consideration. Goal setting helps to reduce stress.
35
It also provides motivation. Designing jobs to give employees more responsibility,
more meaningful work, more autonomy, and increased feedback can reduce stress,
because these factors give the employee greater control over work activities and lessen
dependence on others.
Another remedy for reducing stress is cognitive restructuring. It involves two step
procedures. First irrational or maladaptive thought processes that create stress are
identified. For example Type A individuals may believe that they must be successful at
everything they do. The second step consists of replacing these irrational thoughts with
more rational or reasonable ones.
One important remedy to reduce stress is the maintenance of good sleep. Research
conducted on laboratory specimen to have met with startling discoveries. Sleep starved
rats have developed stress syndrome. The amount of sleep one requires varies from
person to person and is dependent on one’s lifestyle. The American National Sleep
Foundation claims that a minimum of eight hours of sleep is essential for good health.
Generally studies shows that young adults can manage with about 7-8 hours. After the
age of 35, six hours of sleep is sufficient whereas people over 65 years may just need
three or four hours.
Recognizing a stressor:
It is important to recognize whether you are under stress or out of it. Many times,
even if we are under the influence of a stressful condition and our body reacts to it
internally as well as externally, we fail to realize that we are reacting under stress. This
also happens when the causes of stress are there long enough for us to get habituated to
them. The body constantly tries to tell us through symptoms such as rapid palpitation,
dizzy spells, tight muscles or various body aches that something is wrong. It is
important to remain attentive to such symptoms and to learn to cope with the situations.
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We cope better with stressful situation, when we encounter them voluntarily. In cases
of relocation, promotion or layoff, adventurous sports or having a baby, we tend to
respond positively under stress. But, when we are compelled into such situations against
our will or knowledge, more often than not, we wilt at the face of unknown and
imagined threats. For instance, stress may mount when one is coerced into undertaking
some work against one's will.
Laughter:
Adopting a humorous view towards life's situations can take the edge off everyday
stressors. Not being too serious or in a constant alert mode helps maintain the
equanimity of mind and promote clear thinking. Being able to laugh stress away is the
smartest way to ward off its effects.
During stress, the adrenal gland releases corticosteroids, which are converted to
cortical in the blood stream. These have an immunosuppressive effect. Dr. Lee Berk
and fellow researcher Dr. Stanley Tan at Loma Linda University School of Medicine
have produced carefully controlled studies showing that the experience of laughter
lowers serum cortical levels, increases the amount and activity of T lymphocytes—the
natural killer cells. Laughter also increases the number of T cells that have suppresser
receptors.
It provides good cardiac conditioning especially for those who are unable to
perform physical exercise.
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Laughter cleanses the lungs and body tissues of accumulated stale air as it
empties more air than it takes in. It is beneficial for patients suffering from
emphysema and other respiratory ailments.
Regular Exercise:
Aerobic exercise is a best way of draining off stress energy. To understand why, we
need to review what stress is, stress is the state of increased arousal necessary for an
organism to defend itself at a time of danger.
The stress reaction is in us, not "out there." It provides us with the strength and energy
to either fight or run away from danger and is therefore self-protective.
Exercise is the most logical way to dissipate this excess energy. It is what our bodies
are trying to do when we pace around or tap our legs and fingers. It is much better to
channel it into a more complete form of exercise like a brisk walk, a run, a bike ride or
a game of squash. During times of high stress, we could benefit from an immediate
physical outlet - but this often is not possible. However, regular exercise can drain off
ongoing stress and keep things under control. At the very least, it is important to
exercise three times per week for a minimum of 30 minutes each time. Aerobic
activities like walking, jogging, swimming, bicycling, racquet sports, skiing, aerobics
classes and dancing are suitable. It is also beneficial to have a variety of exercise outlets.
For chronic or acute stress, exercise is an essential ingredient in any stress reduction
program.
38
Relaxation/Meditation:
Another way to reduce stress in the body is through certain disciplines which fall under
the heading of relaxation techniques. Just as we are all capable of mounting and
sustaining a stress reaction, we have also inherited the ability to put our bodies into a
state of deep relaxation which Dr. Herbert Benson of Harvard University has named
"the relaxation response." In this state, all the physiologic events in the stress reaction
are reversed: pulse slows, blood pressure falls, breathing slows and muscles relax.
Where the stress reaction is automatic, however, the relaxation response needs to be
brought forth by intention. Fortunately, there are many ways of doing this. Sitting
quietly by a lake or fireplace, gently petting the family cat, lying on a hammock and
other restful activities can generate this state. There also are specific skills that can be
learned which are efficient and beneficial. A state of deep relaxation achieved through
meditation or self-hypnosis is actually more physiologically restful than sleep. These
techniques are best learned through formal training courses which are taught in a variety
of places. Books and relaxation tapes can be used.
Sleep
Sleep is an important way of reducing stress. Chronically stressed patients almost all
suffer from fatigue (in some cases resulting from stress-induced insomnia), and people
who are tired do not cope well with stressful situations. These dynamics can create a
vicious cycle. When distressed people get more sleep, they feel better and are more
resilient and adaptable in dealing with day-to-day events. Most people know what their
usual sleep requirement is (the range is five to 10 hours per night; the average being
seven to eight), but a surprisingly large percentage of the population is chronically sleep
deprived. The three criteria of success are waking refreshed, good daytime energy and
waking naturally before the alarm goes off in the morning.
39
Sleeping-in is fine but if you sleep too long, it throws off your body rhythms
during the following day. It is better to go to bed earlier. Daytime naps are an interesting
phenomenon. They can be valuable if they are short and timed properly (i.e., not in the
evening). The "power nap" or catnap is a short sleep (five to 20 minutes) that can be
rejuvenating. A nap lasting more than 30 minutes can make you feel groggy. Beyond
these cautionary notes, sleep can be key in reducing stress and helping person cope and
function better.
Ventilation/Support System:
Many people go to their work place upset, talking incessantly about a problem,
and feeling better when they are finished. They have told their story, cried or made
some admission, and the act of doing so in the presence of a trusted and empathic
listener has been therapeutic. Listener often does not have to say much. They just have
to be there, listen attentively and show their concern and caring. On other occasions we
might offer validation, encouragement or advice. But the combination of the patient
being able to ventilate and their support can be profoundly beneficial.
There is an old saying that "a problem shared is a problem halved." People who
keep things to themselves carry a considerable and unnecessary burden. We can do
much for person under stress by allowing them to ventilate or encouraging them to do
so. We can also help by urging them to develop a support system (a few trusted
relatives, co-workers or friends to talk to when they are upset or worried).
Another form of ventilation that many patients find helpful is writing. When a
person is angry, and under stress, Psychologist often suggest them to write a letter to
the person at whom they are vexed. These letters are not for sending; they should be
destroyed once they are written - unread. The value is in expressing the feelings and
getting them out. Rereading the letter just reinforces the upset and fans the flames of
anger all over again.
One of the most important things we can do for person under stress is teach
them about stress management. Even better, we can learn these lessons ourselves and
then model them for that person.
40
Make sure that identifying these opportunities and focusing on them is part of
your positive thinking.
"Stress is very much a part of a manager's job. He must learn not only to
cope with it, but use it to help him work better".
41
An organization, two individuals may be identical regarding their position,
but may differ in terms of the abilities, motives, moods and above all the
personality as a whole. These persona differences interact with
organizational factors and create predisposi ng conditions for stress
experiences that may influence the overall performance of the individual.
ROLE STRESS
In the concept of role proposed above, several variables are involved he self,
the other roles, the expectations held by the other roles, the situations in
which there is no conflict among the variables. The very nature of role has
built in potential for conflict these variables. The very nature of role has
built in potential for conflict or stress. Thus conflict is a natural variable in
role performance. Kann an Quinn ( 1970) have proposed a response inferred
definition of stress and “ an experiments or noxious stimulus with general
results in psychological change, behavio ural change, perceptual cognitive
change, affective change an in both overt and intrapsychic co ping efforts.
“ Role conflict” has been defined in terms, of conflicting expectations. The
42
main characteristic of conflict is the incompatibility of some variables
relating to the role of an individual which many have some consequences for
the individual’s role performance. The word ‘strain’ has been used in the
literature to denote the effect of stress on the individual. The word ‘pressure’
has also been used. Buck
Several systems of classification have been used to discuss role conflict and
stress. Kahn and Quinn (1970) have classified role stress under tree main
headings: expectation generated stress in which they include role ambiguity
and role conflict: expectations resource discrepanc ies, in which they include
role overload, responsibility-authority dilemma and inadequate technical
information; and role and personality. We find it more functional to use the
two main role constellations as areas of conflict and stress.
Marshall and Cooper (1979) have suggested seven sources and therefore
classification of managerial stress: (1) job (working conditions, overload)
43
(2) Organisational role (role ambiguity, role conflict, responsibility, etc.),
(3) relationships at work (relationships with su periors, relationships with
colleagues (4) career development (lack of job security, status incongruity),
(5) Organizational structure and climate (7) the individual (psychometric
characteristics, behavior patterns, self -help literature).
In view of the two proposed concepts of role systems (role space and role
set), we shall discuss role conflicts or stress under these two categories. Five
main role stresses or conflicts in the role space of an individual have been
identified.
44
individual to out-grow his previous role and occupy the new role
effectively. This produces some stress in the individual.
The fear of demotion or obsolescence can be strong for those who know they
have reached their career coiling – and most will inevitably suffer some
erosion of status before they finally retire.
From the company perspective, on the other hand, McMurray (1973) puts
the case for not promoting to a higher position if there is doubt that the
employee can fill it. In a syndrome he labels ‘the executive neurosis’, he
describes the over-promoted manager as grossly over working to keep down
a top job, and at the same time hide his insecurity, and points to the
consequences of this for his work performance and the company. Age is no
longer revered as it was – it is becoming a ‘young man’s world’. The rapidity
with which society is developing technologically economically and socially)
is likely to mean that individuals will now need to change career during their
working life (as companies and products are having to do). Such trends
breed uncertainty and research suggests that older workers look for stability.
Unless managers adapt their expectations to suit new circumstances career
development stress, especially in later life, is likely to become an
increasingly common experience.
45
executive often faces the conflicts between his organizational role as an
executive and his family role as the husband and the father. T he demands
from his wife and children to share his time may be incompatible with
the organizational demands on him for spending a lot of time on
Organisational problems. Such inter-role conflicts are quite frequent in
modern society when the individual is increasingly occupying multiple
roles in various organisations and groups.
46
arising in the role set are called rol e set stress or conflicts. Some of these
discussed below.
As Marshal and Cooper (1979) have pointed out, role ambiguity exists when
an individual has inadequate information about his work role, i.e. where
there is lack of clarity about the work objectives associated with the role,
about work colleagues' expectation of the work role and about the scope and
responsibilities of the job. Kahn, Wolfe, Quinn, Snoek and Rosenthal (1964)
found in their study that men who suffered from role ambiguity experienced
lower job satisfaction, high job-related tension, greater futility and lower
self-confidence. French and Caplan (1973) found, at one of NASA's bases,
in a sample of 205 volunteer engineers, scientists and administrators, that
role ambiguity was significantly related to low job satisfaction and to
feelings of job-related threat to one's mental and physical well -being. This
also related to indicators of physiological strain such as increased blood
pressure and pulse rate. Margolis, Kroes and Quinn (1974) also fo und a
number of significant relationships between symptoms or indicators of
physical and mental ill health with role ambiguity in their representative
national sample (n-1496). The stress indicators related to role ambiguity
were depressed mood, lowered self-esteem life dissatisfaction, job
dissatisfaction, low motivation to work and intention to leave the job. Whilst
these were not very strong statistical relationships they were significant and
do indicate that lack of role clarity may be one among many po tential stress’s
at work.
Kahn (1973) feels that it is now time to separate out distinctive elements of
role ambiguity for individual treatment (just as he and his research team
have done for 'overload' and 'responsibility'). He suggests that two
components are involved; those of present, and future -prospects ambiguity
(much of the material he assigns to the latter is here included under 'role
stagnation').
7. Role overload: When the role occupant feels that there are too many
expectations from the significant roles in his role set, he experiences 'role
overload'. They measured this stress by asking questions about the feeling
of people whether they could possibly finish work given to them during the
47
modified work day and whether they felt that amount of work they did might
interfere with how well it was done. Most of the executive role occupants
experience role overload. Kahn and Quinn (1970) have suggested some
conditions under which role overload is likely to occur. According to them,
role overload is likely to occur more in the absence of mechanism of role
integration, in the absence of power of role occupants, in the large variations
in the expected output and when delegati on or assistance cannot procure
more time.
48
1496 employed persons aged 16 or older. They fond that overload was
significantly related to a number of symptoms or indictors of stress; escapist
drinking, absenteeism from work, low motivation to work, lowered self-
esteem and an absence of suggestions to employers. The result from these
and other studies (Quinn, Seashore and Mangione, 1971; Porter and Lawyer,
1965) are relatively consistent and indicate that this factor is indeed a
potential source of occupational stress that affects both health and job
satisfaction.
8.Role Isolation: In role stress, the role occupant may feel that certain
roles are psychologically near to him, while some other r oles are at a
distance. The main criterion of role-role distance of frequency and ease
49
interaction. When linkages are strong, the role -role distance will be low. In
the absence of strong linkage, the role-role distance can therefore, be
measured in terms of existing and desired linkages. The gap between the
desired and the existing linkages will indicate the amount of distance
between the two roles.
Marshall and Cooper (1979) have suggested one main source of managerial
stress connected with relationships at work. French and Caplan (1973) define
poor relations as those which include low trust, low supportiveness and low
interest in listening to and trying to deal with problems that confront the
organizational member. The most notable studies in this area are by Kahn,
et al. (1964), French and Caplan (1970) and Buck (1972). Both the Kahn, et
al. and French and Caplan studies came to roughly the same conclusion that
mistrust of persons one worked with was positively related to high role
ambiguity which led to inadequate communications between people and to
psychological strain in the form of low job satisfaction and to feeling of job -
related threat to one's well being. It was interesting to note, however, in the
Kahn, et al. study that poor relations with one's subordinates was
significantly related to feelings of threat with colleagues and superiors but
not in relationship to threat with subordinates.
9. Role Erosion : A role occupant may feel that some functions which he
would like to perform are being performed by some other role. The stress
felt may be called 'role erosion'. Role erosion is the subjective feeling of an
50
individual that some important role expectations he has from his role do not
match with the expectations other roles have for him. Role erosion is likely
to be experienced in an organisation which is redefining its role an creating
new roles. In several organisations which were redefining their structure, the
stress of role erosion was inevitably felt. In one organization, one role was
abolished and two roles were created to cater to the executives and planning
needs. This led to a great stress in the role occupants of both roles who
experienced role erosion.
ROLE STRESS
It is an attempt to compared the organizational role stress among executives
of the Personnel and Administration department of the Corporate Office of
three Public Sector Organisations, namely Gas Authority of India Limited
(GAIL), Engineers India Limited (EIL), and Indian Oil Corporation Limited
(IOC). An attempt was also made to the respondents were clas sified
according to their designation categories - senior managers, middle
managers and junior managers of the middle management - as specific to the
hierarchical positions in their respective organisations. Such a classification
was basically made to find out whether it was the position of the respondents
in the organizational hierarchy which was contributing to the stress to the
individuals.
51
upon it. McMichael (1978) defined it in terms of the product of a dynamic
mismatch between an individual and his or her physical, social, and
psychological environment. Stress, in general, is the psychologica l or
physiological reaction that occurs when people perceive an imbalance
between the demands placed upon them and their capacity to met those
demands, and stress, specific to work environments, is the reaction of
individuals to new or threatening factors in their work environment. The
personality characteristics of the individual, the environmental
characteristics, i.e., the stimulus of the external force active on the organism,
and the person environment interaction, i.e., the overall prevailing ethos of
interpersonal behaviors - it is contended that stress can originate from an o
these factors or in combinations thereof. In other words, it originates from
organizational demands, which are experiences by a individual.
Singh and Singh (1992), say that in an organization, two individuals may be
identical regarding their position, but may differ in terms of the abilities,
motives, moods and above all the personality as a whole. These personal
differences interact with organizational factors and create predisposing
conditions for stress experiences that may influence the overall performance
of the individual. Another important dimension of the organization is its
psychological atmosphere i.e., its climate. organizational climate has been
studied in terms of those characteristics that distinguish the organization
from other organizations and that influence the behaviour of people in the
origination. Each organization differs from the other not only in structure
but also in the attitudes and behaviour it elicits in people. Litwin and
52
Stringer (1968) stated that organizational climate refers to a set of
measurable properties of the work env ironment, perceived directly or
indirectly by the people who live and work in its environment and assume to
influence motivation and behaviour of the employee. They identified nine
dimensions of organizational climate viz. structure, responsibility, reward ,
risk, warmth, support, conflict, identity and standards.
According to study by Ahmed and Jha (1989), human beings prefer jobs that
possess characteristics like variety, autonomy, and task significance.
Increased participation in decision making have a si gnificant negative effect
on role conflict and role ambiguity. Social support also plays a moderating
role in reducing individual stress. In other words, persons with high social
support are assumed to express a lower stress -strain relationship. Their study
also revealed that the employees lower in the organizational hierarchy
experience more stress and strain but less supervisory support than the
employees higher in to hierarchy. The employees who had risen from lower
ranks (those of workers, for example) have little experience of manpower -
management, need to drive hard to achieve targets set by management, and
are also influenced by the workers unions. The employees in the higher
grades, however, do not have to face such situations.
The stress an individual expresses as a result of the fact that there are too
many expectations, regarding his or her role, from the significant others in
his role set.
Bharti, Nagarathnamma, and Reddy (1991) and Ahmad and Khanna (1992)
found that occupational stress was signi ficantly related to job satisfaction:
greater stress accompanied with lower satisfaction. However, the latter
study also found that occupational stress was negatively related with job
involvement. According to Venna (1993) the factors, which can affect th e
development of tension in Public Sector Units employees, may either be
personal and /or environmental. Personal factors are those factors which are
related to the individual e.g. age, sex, intelligence, physical ability, et.
Environmental factors are those factors, which are related to the
surroundings of the individual e.g. family, culture, job environment, etc.
53
Stress is the most frequently used word in the workplace today, raising
tempers, lowering productivity, and having an insidious impact on both
morale and bottomlines. According to Chakraborty, Director of
Management Centre for Human Values at the Indian Institute of
Management, Calcutta, values in corporations have collapsed, and stress is
a repercussion of that. In other words, if the values are put back into
corporate life, the stress will disappear Bose 1996). According to Selye, top
stressors at work include, overload, deadline pressures, demanding bosses,
non-performing juniors, competitive pairs, excessive touring, domestic
disharmony. Most of all, it is the increasing uncertainty in today's corporate
world that is leading to so much executive stress. Another factor that can
badly stress employees whether they feel useful n a organization or
peripheral. To really bring about long-term stress relief, it will mean
acknowledging that stress will be constant companion demanding constant
attention (Bose 1996).
Srivastava, Hagtavet and Sen (1994) fond that middle managers suffer
maximally in organizational role stress and anxiety, followed by workers
and top managers. The liability or difficulty in meeting the various
expectations caused stress. The study also r evealed that the same stressful
event can be perceived quite differently by top mangers, middle managers,
and even by workers, this perception may depend on what the situation
means to individuals at their own level. An evaluation of the situation by
each of them in relation to themselves determines the degree of stress they
face. Stress-in terms of adverse effect, its cost to human resources, material,
54
and progress- is tremendous. Management within an organization should
function so as to maximize the coordination of human resources and work
system and to minimize conflict.
55
significant impact on a person's ability to withstand work pressures is what
Esther Orioli President (ESI) calls "Personal Power" - having control over
your time, resources, important information, work load and so on. According
o him it's not the volume of work or work demand that makes people sick, it
is the extent to which they feel they (lack) cont rol over their work and their
workplace. As the pace and intensity of work increases, so does the need for
control.
It is, therefore, not surprising that faced with the complex nature of stress
and how to deal it, it is difficult to answer the questions about the
effectiveness of stress management. Furthermore, adding this complex
organizational picture to the already complex make -up of the individual, the
question becomes even harder to answer. There is, however, enough
evidence to work on the premise that well carried out stress management
interventions by appropriately qualified practitioners are beneficial for the
individual and organization. Employees need to be made more aware of the
issues to make informed decisions about investment in stress management.
For them, the effective stress management is one that will reduce or
minimize role ambiguity and role expectation conflict, thus minimizing
absenteeism and premature retirement, and will maximize employee
productivity and leading to increased company profits.
56
Personality Characteristics
Roserman and Friedman called this mental and behavioral pattern, the type
A behavior. Some psychologists feel that this type of behavioral is an
extreme variant of what is socially highly recomm ended and positively
rewarded. Other think that Type-A behavior is dysfunctional and tat the
better jobs are only for the quiet, detached, contemplative Type -B
(Mathews, 1982).
Role Overload
57
The bearer may be bombarded by expectations; a force which he eventually
cannot cope with. A sensible tactic then is to organize 'role negotiation' or
'role bargaining' (Harrison, 1973) where by the threatened individual tries to
organize hi obligations with or without outside help.
Role Conflict
Role Ambiguity
58
In India, contrary to the findings of Das (1982) who has reported that role
ambiguity is not a significant cause of stress, the researchers in general have
expressed as serious concern about role ambiguity as a stress ind ucing factor
(Pareek and Rao, 1981).
The feeling of being fixed in their role within the organization is one of the
most frightening experiences. More threatening is monotonous work or work
lacking in challenge (Kornhauser 1965;; Shepherd, 1971).
Relations with others, both at home and work, are often crucial for an
employees well being. In research on middle management, it was found that
inadequate willingness of others to h elp at work is related to considerably
more smoking as well as to anxiety about one's own functioning, job
dissatisfaction and physical complaints (Van Vucht Tijssen et al, 1978).
Good relationship between employer and employee serves as a shield against
the occurrence of stress. Das (1982) has reported a significantly negative
correlation of social support an open communication with the felt stress.
Role Incompatibility
59
therefore important. Thus is often not the case and the individual c
consequently experiences strain. So if the strain is getting day by day bigger
and bigger the effects of its on the persons life will also be very much
complicated. It is better for a person to do not but a lot of strain on thinking.
It will make it to use his/her mind more and unefficiently. And anything
which is used unefficiently can cause a damage aor loss.
60
CHAPTER: 4
DATA ANALYSIS, INTERPRETATION AND
PRESENTATION
The project report shows the information of the level of stress which
the employees are facing as the period of recession is going the employee
cut-off and turnover ratios are found to be high so the workload for the
existing employees are high. So they are facing the problem of work
overload and thus they get stressed.
61
1. Are you satisfied with the performance you give at your work?
YES NO NO RESPONSE
17 08 0
Chart Title
18
16
14
12
10
0
Category 1
Yes No
Analysis:
From the diagram it is clear that 77 % of the employees are satisfied with the
performance they give in the work while 23 % of the employees are not satisfied.
62
2. Do you think that you are suffering from depression?
Yes No No response
13 12 0
Sales
12
13
Yes No
Analysis
48 % of the employee feel that they are suffering from depression while 52 %
of the employee feel that that they are free from the depression.
63
3. Do you worry about your colleague's opinion about you?
Yes No No response
9 16 0
30
25
20
15
10
0
Yes No Category 1
Analysis:
36% of the employees worry about their colleague’s opinion about them while
64 =% of the employees are not concern with the opinion about their colleague.
64
4. Do you discuss your problem with your spouse or friend or any other close to
you?
Yes No No response
15 10 0
16
14
12
10
0
Category 1
Yes No
Analysis:
60% of the employees of the Company discuss their problem and share their
feelings with their spouse or friends or others while 40 % of the employee is not
concerned with it.
65
5. Do you work more than 8 hours?
Yes No No response
16 9 0
Sales
16
Yes No
Analysis:
64% of the employees work for more than 8 hours which is the starting point of
the stress while 36 % of the employees don’t work for more than 8 hours.
66
6. You have an important function at your home and your boss asks to give a 4
hour over time, what will be your response?
Yes No No response
14 9 2
20
18
16
14
12
10
0
Category 1
Yes No No response
Analysis:
56 % of the employees are proved to be work dedicated and they are ready to
miss the important function at their house while 36 % of the employees said no and 8
% of the employee did not gave any answer.
67
7. Do you regularly spend time for entertainment?
Yes No No response
12 13 0
25
20
15
10
0
Category 1
Yes No
Analysis:
48 % of the employee spent regular time on entertainment which helps us to
remain stress free while 52 % of the employees don’t do that.
68
8. Is your social life balanced?
Yes No No response
15 7 3
35
30
25
20
15
10
0
Category 1
Yes No No response
Analysis:
60 % of the employees find their social life to be balanced while 28 % of the
employees don’t have their social life balanced. 12% of the employees remain silent.
69
9. Do you plan your work before doing?
Yes No No response
18 7 0
25
20
15
10
0
Category 1
Yes No
Analysis:
It is a good habit to plan the work you do. 72 % of the employees plan their
work before doing while 28 % of the employees don’t plan their work.
70
10. Do you fear about the quality of your performance?
Yes No No response
19 6 0
20
18
16
14
12
10
0
Category 1
Yes No
Analysis:
76% of the employees fear the quality of performance which they give while 24
% of the employees don’t fear the quality of their work.
71
11. Do you try to find any solution for the problem of your stress?
Yes No No response
18 7 0
20
18
16
14
12
10
0
Category 1
Yes No
Analysis:
72% of employees found the solution of stress 28% of employees don’t found
the solution of their stress.
72
12. (IF YES) Do you practice yoga or any other ayurvedic therapy for reducing
stress?
Yes No No response
14 6 0
16
14
12
10
0
Category 1
Yes No
Analysis:
56% of the employees try the yoga and other ayurvedic techniques to reduce
their stress while 44 % of the employees use other techniques to reduce stress.
73
13. Training Method should be updated?
Yes No No response
15 7 3
15 07
03
-
Analysis:
60% of employees said that the training method is updated and 28 % of employees said
that the training method doesn’t updated. And 12% of the employees remain silent.
74
14 Is Stress management helps to eliminate fear in obtaining new tasks?
Yes No No response
20 5 0
25
20
15
10
0
Category 1
Yes No
Analysis:
80 % of employees said yes and 20 % of employees said no that stress management
help to eliminate fear in obtaining new task.
75
15. Does management help you to make better decisions & effective problem
solving?
Yes No No response
14 8 3
HELPFUL IN DECISIONS
YES NO No Response
Analysis
56 % of employees said yes and 32 % of employees said no and 12% remain silent.
76
QUESTIONARRIE
1. Are you satisfied with the performance you give at your work?
2. Do you think that you are suffering from depression?
3. Do you worry about your colleague's opinion about you?
4. Do you discuss your problem with your spouse or friend or any other close to you?
5. Do you work more than 8 hours?
6. You have an important function at your home and your boss asks to give a 4 hour
over time, what will be your response?
7. Do you regularly spend time for entertainment?
8. Is your social life balanced?
9. Do you plan your work before doing?
10. Do you fear about the quality of your performance?
11. Do you try to find any solution for the problem of your stress?
12. (IF YES) Do you practice yoga or any other ayurvedic therapy for reducing stress?
13. Training Method should be updated?
14 Is Stress management helps to eliminate fear in obtaining new tasks?
15. Does management help you to make better decisions & effective problem solving?
77
FINDINGS
It is analyzed from the questionnaire filled by the employees that the employees
who have scored more than 20 marks in the burnout test are not satisfied with the
performance which they give in the organization. Thus it is proved that the employees
who are desired to give better performance than their original performance are found
more
stressful than the others. While at the same time the employ that have scored
less than 20 marks in the burnout test are satisfied with the performance. From the
sample of 25 company employees who have been surveyed, one is found to be a heart
patient. This can be because of high level of stress.
Very rare of the employee are to be found suffering from depression. It is proved
from the survey that the employees who have scored more than 25 marks in the burnout
test are concern about the opinion of their colleagues. And the employees who got less
than 25 marks do not mind about their colleague’s opinion. Thus it is proved that the
colleagues opinion also play a lead role in the increase and decrease of the stress level.
Those who mind about their colleague’s opinion are found to be more stressful.
In the second questionnaire one of the question was “You have an important
function at your home and your boss asks to give a 4 hour over time what will be your
response ‘Yes or No’?” the employees have given their opinion as per their mood.
While considering the point of view of entertainment it depends upon the mood
of the employees. The entertainment is considered one of the most ultimate solutions
to reduce stress. Most of the employees do not spend regular time in entertainment.
This may be because they may not be getting time for entertainment or they may not be
interested in the same.
One of the questions was asked that were their social life balanced? It is
observed that the employees who have scored above 20 marks in the burnout test did
not have their social life balanced. Thus we can conclude that the employees who are
above 20 don’t have their social life balanced. Thus it is proved that stress may affect
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our social life also.
The employees were asked weather they plan their work or not, moderate
answers were given. The employees scoring more than 25 marks were not found their
work planned. Thus the employees who plan their work have scored below 25 marks in
the burnout test except some cases as there are always some drawbacks in making plan.
Failure of a plan may also lead a person to stress. Thus we can conclude that planning
of the work may help to reduce stress level.
Most of the employees who have scored more than 20 marks fear about their
quality of work they give. This aspect is not dependent of the burnout level. This aspect
depends upon the dedication of work. So it is meaningless to compare this question
with the burnout test.
A question was asked that weather you get stressed at the non-achievement of
their target? All the employees have responded positively. But this is not concern with
the burnout score. From this we can conclude that all the employees are given
achievable target and naturally by the non-achievement of the target all the employees
may get stressed. One of the other possibilities is that the employees have responded
positively to show themselves to be good.
It is found that the work place is situated in a very crowd place there was lot of
disturbance.
During the job rotation process there was huge workload to each and every
employee.
Employee even can’t spend time for their personal obligations every day.
To overcome their stress at work in company, the stress management process
undertook at work place is obsolesce.
Most of the employees at company are untrained; even then they are assigned
work which the employees are most familiar.
Most of the employees are not happy with the pay-package.
The hike in pay-package is not in a proper sense.
Employees lose temper while being at work.
The job rotation process takes place every day at work place.
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The employees at company are very co-operative with each other; there was no
difference within them.
There productivity was at mark.
Higher number of respondent think that better growth prospects is the important
factor exiting of the job.
As per my analysis company job is very stressful.
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CHAPTER: 5
CONCLUSION
Stress is something that happens in our daily lives and is usually associated with
a particular event such as work, family or other responsibilities. There are many
situations that we can not control, but there are ways to control how we deal with certain
situations. Effective stress management is something that our lives can go a little more
smoothly. Stress management is as simple as taking a walk it was been proven that
physical activities would improves a person’s mental health, help with depression, and
relieve the side effects of stress. This makes a person’s heart rate increase and will be
more lightly to be effected by stress. It is the vital that stress management techniques
are implemented into our daily lives. Coping with stress is an individualized task and
one method over another may not be superior. A person that is stress takes so much
away from his or her health and performance levels.
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SUGGESTIONS
First and foremost I would like to suggest that, the working hour should not be
firmly rigid, so that the employees can spare some time to their family and can
carry out their personal obligations.
There must be proper training process in company so that the employees can
easily access which each and every job when the job rotation takes place.
The key person in company has to see to the efficiency of the employee and
must assign the work.
There must be hike in pay-package once in a while according to the ability,
qualified, work load and experienced employees.
The employees has to be identical by his work at company and have to hike the
pay, if not it leads a way to indirect means of stress.
Favoritisms, casteism should not take place at work.
Performance must be evaluated properly by the key person and the employee
has to be promoted.
Unplanned, unexpected work must be avoided by a key person at company to
the employee.
Training programs should be conducted from time to time so that an employee
does not get bored from their job.
The workload in the company should be reduced so that the employees will not
be stressed and can give their best at work.
Company should try to adopt certain measures to enhance team spirit and co-
ordination among the employees.
There must be supportive staff at company so that the employees can be more
focused to achieve the settled target.
There should be a tea break, once in a while break in between their work, so that
employee won’t be stressed and the productivity will automatically increase.
Once when all the suggestion is taken into account the employee will be more
satisfied person at their work.
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BIBILIOGRAPHY
Adams.
Web Site
wikipedia.org/wiki/stress_management
www.vanderbilt.edu/psychology
www.psybertron.org
www.hreffects.com
Books
stress management authors ( prerna sharma, parveen nagpal, mitali
shelankar) & published by VIPUL PRAKSHAN
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