10 Symptoms of Workplace Stress

by Dale Collie

It is no secret that stress and related disorders are the most frequent cause of employee disability (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health). As far back as 1992, a United Nations report called job stress a "world wide epidemic.

Control of workplace stress is a leadership responsibility. Good leaders who recognize the symptoms of stress can control situations to create more desirable workplaces and to improve both productivity and the bottom line.

Corporate leaders who have served in the military recognize employee stress when they observe symptoms such as:

1 Anxiety

2 Indecisiveness

3 Irritability

4 Complaining

5 Forgetfulness

6 Loss of self confidence

7 Argumentativeness

8 Insomnia

9 Rapid emotional shifts

10 Physical exhaustion

Symptoms such as these cost companies billions of dollars each year in health care costs, absenteeism, accidents, quality control,

personnel turnover, and various interpersonal relationship problems.

Some managers mistakenly try to control stressful problems by increasing demands and supervising details. Increased urgency and focus on details typically generates even more stress. The problems shift from slight distractions, such as back pain, headaches, and inattention, to more drastic reactions such as absenteeism and medical problems, both good indicators that stress levels need attention.

Just as in the Army, most business leaders must be taught to manage stress and to observe for negative stress reactions. All managers need to understand the importance of positive stress in maximizing accuracy and productivity. And they need to know how to control the negative stress for the benefit of those involved and the bottom line.

If you don't have qualified staff in your company, outside consultants and trainers can help you evaluate current stress levels and train

everyone involved. Remember, stress control is a leadership responsibility.

Get my article about controlling the top ten workplace stressors by sending blank email MailTo:10stressors@couragebuilders.com

Copyright 2005

You may edit this article for length or content to fit your space and audience requirements and publish electronically or in print free of charge. Include my full byline and add a hyperlink for web postings. When you publish, please send a courtesy link or email to collie@couragebuilders.com

Dale Collie (MailTo:collie@couragebuilders.com) speaker, author, and former US Army Ranger, CEO,and professor at West Point. Selected by "Fast Company" as one of America's Fast 50 innovative leaders. Author of "Frontline Leadership: From War Room to Boardroom," and "Winning Under Fire: Turn Stress into Success the US Army Way." (McGraw-Hill) http://www.couragebuilders.com

Other Articles:

Palpitations, Mitral Valve Prolapse, and the Migraine Syndrome
"Wow! That was interesting. My heart started beating funny for a few beats and I wasn't doing anything at all. Now, if this had happened a few minutes ago when I was exercising, I would be more worried. My chest did hurt a little, but it went away. I have been noticing this for...

Green Tea and Cholesterol Facts
A green and lush oasis in the middle of a scorching dessert. A cool breeze on a hot summer night. A bright light in the end of a cold and dark tunnel. Green tea and cholesterol. For the millions and millions of people suffering from high cholesterol green tea may be that light. You...

Alcohol - Fruit Turning Foe
“An apple a day keeps the doctor away”. This statement could probably be generalized for other fruits as well. The salubrious nature of fresh fruits, rich in vitamins and minerals is already too well known. But when the same fruit (particularly grapes) is fermented, losing its natural...