Are you or your employees
stress-puppies? Stress plays a big role in productivity – lost work time and
reduced job performance – but more importantly with your health. Nearly one-half
of all premature deaths in the U.S. are caused by stress-related illness.
Be aware of the recognizable
signs of stress:
• Lack of sleep. Insomnia or
a lack of sleep is a major symptom of stress. Over time, an individual's health
and work performance will suffer.
• Truancy. Have you noticed
an increase in an employee's absenteeism or chronic lateness? These are other
key indicators.
• Excessive drinking. Has an
employee started drinking too much? Increased alcohol and/or drug use almost
always indicates increased stress levels.
• Change in physical
appearance. Has an employee undergone a significant weight gain or weight loss?
Other than dieting to lose weight, sudden weight changes can indicate that a
person's eating patterns have changed, perhaps resulting from troubles at home
or work.
• Attitude changes. Any
changes or sudden swings in an employee's mood or has a formerly outgoing
person suddenly become withdrawn? This may be the result of either mild or more
severe depression.
• Physical deterioration.
Has any employee developed numerous physical difficulties, and are they always
complaining about them? This is common among those suffering even mild
depression.
• Reduced performance. Has
an employee's work performance fallen off sharply? If it’s only temporary, this
isn’t a sign of stress. If it persists however, look for the cause.
If you notice one or more of
these changes in an employee, talk to them directly about any potential
problems. The stress may or may not be work related and the employee might open
up about it. But if an employee has a problem that makes them a liability, you
have a problem, as well. Professional counseling may be required when an
employee shows severe and ongoing symptoms of stress.
- Source: Tire Review
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