Are you or your employeesstress-puppies? Stress plays a big role in productivity – lost work time andreduced job performance – but more importantly with your health. Nearly one-halfof all premature deaths in the U.S. are caused by stress-related illness.
Be aware of the recognizablesigns of stress:
• Lack of sleep. Insomnia ora lack of sleep is a major symptom of stress. Over time, an individual’s healthand work performance will suffer.
• Truancy. Have you noticedan increase in an employee’s absenteeism or chronic lateness? These are otherkey indicators.
• Excessive drinking. Has anemployee started drinking too much? Increased alcohol and/or drug use almostalways indicates increased stress levels.
• Change in physicalappearance. Has an employee undergone a significant weight gain or weight loss?Other than dieting to lose weight, sudden weight changes can indicate that aperson’s eating patterns have changed, perhaps resulting from troubles at homeor work.
• Attitude changes. Anychanges or sudden swings in an employee’s mood or has a formerly outgoingperson suddenly become withdrawn? This may be the result of either mild or moresevere depression.
• Physical deterioration.Has any employee developed numerous physical difficulties, and are they alwayscomplaining about them? This is common among those suffering even milddepression.
• Reduced performance. Hasan employee’s work performance fallen off sharply? If it’s only temporary, thisisn’t a sign of stress. If it persists however, look for the cause.
If you notice one or more ofthese changes in an employee, talk to them directly about any potentialproblems. The stress may or may not be work related and the employee might openup about it. But if an employee has a problem that makes them a liability, youhave a problem, as well. Professional counseling may be required when anemployee shows severe and ongoing symptoms of stress.
– Source: Tire ReviewBusiness Toolbox
