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Managers and Stress in the WorkplaceManagers and Stress in the Workplace

Face to face / Online public schedule & onsite training. Restaurant lunch included at STL venues.

From £446 List price £650

The 1-day course will help managers and directors ensure they use downtime productively, to make changes in their working behaviour and offer them coping strategies for maintaining optimum health.
The 2-day course will include the exploration of initiatives for those managers who want to design and introduce a strategy for keeping their staff in good health across the board.

Training manual sample

Below are some extracts from our Managers and Stress in the Workplace manual.

What Is Stress?

Stress is our body’s natural response to external demands or challenges. It’s a physiological and psychological reaction that occurs when we perceive a situation as threatening, overwhelming, or beyond our coping abilities. Here are some key points about stress:

  • Definition: Stress involves a complex interplay of hormones, neurotransmitters, and behavioral responses. It’s not inherently negative; in fact, some stress can motivate us to perform better.
  • Common Misunderstandings:
    • All Stress Is Bad: Not true! Eustress (positive stress) can enhance focus and performance. Distress (negative stress) is what we typically associate with harm.
    • Stress Is Only External: Our thoughts and interpretations play a significant role. Internal stressors (such as self-imposed pressure) matter too.
    • One-Size-Fits-All: People react differently to stress. What’s stressful for one person may not be for another.

Causes and Impact of Workplace Stress

Stress Triggers and Stressors

  • Workplace Stressors:
    • High Workload: Unrealistic expectations, tight deadlines, and excessive responsibilities.
    • Lack of Control: Feeling powerless over decisions or processes.
    • Interpersonal Conflicts: Disagreements, office politics, and difficult colleagues.
    • Role Ambiguity: Unclear job descriptions or conflicting roles.
    • Organizational Change: Mergers, layoffs, or restructuring.
    • Work-Life Imbalance: Juggling work, family, and personal life.

How Does Stress Affect Productivity?

  • Body: Chronic stress can lead to physical symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and weakened immune function.
  • Behaviors: Reduced concentration, absenteeism, and decreased job performance.
  • Thinking: Cognitive impairment, memory lapses, and difficulty making decisions.
  • Feelings: Anxiety, irritability, and mood swings.

The Stress Cycle

  1. Alarm Phase: The initial reaction to stress triggers. The body releases adrenaline, preparing for “fight or flight.”
  2. Resistance Phase: If stress persists, the body adapts. Cortisol levels rise, affecting sleep, digestion, and immune function.
  3. Exhaustion Phase: Prolonged stress depletes resources. Burnout, health issues, and emotional breakdowns can occur.

Stress, the Brain, and Our Emotions

How the Brain Deals with Stress: The Amygdala

  • The amygdala, part of the limbic system, detects threats and activates stress responses.
  • It’s our “emotional alarm system,” triggering fight-or-flight reactions.

Responding to ‘Fight or Flight’

  • Fight: Aggressive response (confronting stressors).
  • Flight: Avoidance or withdrawal (escaping stressors).

The Connection Between Emotions and Thoughts

  • Our emotions influence our thoughts, and vice versa.
  • Negative thoughts can perpetuate stress. Cognitive restructuring (changing thought patterns) helps manage stress.

Stress Reduction Techniques

  1. Breathing Exercises:
    • Diaphragmatic Breathing: Engage your diaphragm by breathing deeply into your belly. Breathe in through your nose, allowing your belly to rise, and exhale slowly through your mouth.
    • 4-7-8 Breathing: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, and exhale for 8 seconds. Repeat this calming rhythm1.
  2. Visualization Exercises:
  3. Workstyle and Lifestyle Changes:
  4. Healthy Eating and Hydration:
  5. Relaxation and Sleep:
  6. Managing Your Energy:
    • Recognize your energy patterns throughout the day. Schedule demanding tasks during peak energy times.
    • Take short breaks to recharge and avoid burnout.
  7. Diversify Your Activities:
    • Explore hobbies,

 

The Business Case for Reducing Stress in the Workplace

Stress isn’t just an individual concern; it significantly impacts organizations as well. Here’s why reducing workplace stress is crucial:

  1. Productivity and Morale:
  2. Financial Impact:
  3. Healthcare Costs:

Challenging and Changing Unhelpful Thoughts

Cognitive restructuring techniques help individuals challenge negative and irrational thoughts. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Identify Negative Thoughts:
  2. Evaluate Realism:
  3. Alternative Explanations:

Developing a Management Stress Reduction Action Plan

Creating a stress reduction plan involves several steps:

  1. Identify Triggers:
  2. Stay Connected:
  3. Stay Active:
  4. Find Your Pause Button:
  5. Plan Fun Activities:
  6. Reframe Your Thinking About Stress:

 

 

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