Stress Reduction Programs in an Organization

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Stress Reduction Programs
Conclusion
References

Introduction

There are different approaches to reducing stress levels in an organization. To choose the appropriate program, it is necessary to assess the available options based on a range of criteria, such as current stress level, aims of a stress reduction program, a number of staff members involved into the program, time necessary to complete a program, cost of a program and other.

Given I am in charge of stress reduction in a school, I need to help teachers cope with stress caused by their job responsibilities, intensity of their work, and communication with colleagues, supervisors, and students. Below three different programs are analyzed.

Stress Reduction Programs

Stress-Free Zone

This approach is often used by many large companies. For example, in (Carlaw, Carlaw, Deming & Friedmann), it is describe how the stress-free zone was applied at SAT Campbell Software (p. 92).

Name	Stress-Free Zone
Individual/group	Group
Content	Introducing a space where employees can relax and have rest. In this zone, they do not talk about work; they discuss general issues, have snacks, and play games.
Advantages	Unlike a program designed for a short period, the zone works permanently. Besides, the cost of the program is minimal: it is necessary just to equip the room where the stress-free zone will be located.
Disadvantages	The approach is very general and does not imply solving certain specific problems that may occur in the team. It just provides a means of quick stress reduction and relaxation.

This approach does not require a manager to spend considerable effort. It can be helpful when time and funds are limited.

Team Training

If a manager responsible for stress reduction sees that the level of stress in the organization has been grown considerably, it may be reasonable to invite a specialist who will learn the staff how to cope with role-related stress and other challenges they face at work.

Name	Team Training
Individual/group	Group
Content	Inviting a psychologist or a coach who specializes in stress reduction and organizing training for staff members. The program will include stress diagnostics, lectures, training, final assessment, and development of recommendations.
Advantages	The program will be conducted by a specialist who will be able to detect the existing problems and address them appropriately.
Disadvantages	The cost of a program is high. Besides, it will require employees to spend their time after work to attend the training.

This program is perfect if an organization has enough funding to invite a specialist.

Individual Stress Program Development

A manager responsible for stress reduction may develop a long-term program that implies a perpetual assessment of employees’ stress levels and development of recommendations for them.

Name	Individual Stress Program Development
Individual/group	Individual
Content	Regular assessment of employees’ level of stress, developing a strategy for stress reduction, composition of a stress reduction program schedule, repeat assessment.
Advantages	The program precisely addresses the needs of each employee. It helps observe his/her progress and develop a long-term stress reduction strategy.
Disadvantages	A manager should have very substantial knowledge and experience in stress management. Besides, this program is very time-consuming: a manager will spend time working with employees and preparing individual recommendations for them.

According to (Weinberg, Sutherland & Cooper, 2010), detecting the sources of stress is the key component of a stress reduction program (p. 10). This program is optimal if a manager has enough time to fulfill it and wants stress reduction actions be very precise and effective.

Conclusion

Considering that: 1) generally, schools do not have enough funding to introduce expensive stress reduction programs; 2) stress reduction is not the only responsibility of a manager who is involved into it, the first stress reduction program, which is “Stress-Free Zone” is the best option for applying at school. It will help teachers reduce stress levels, save the money, and show that the school authorities care of their subordinates.

References

Carlaw, M., Carlaw, P., Deming, Vashuda K., & Friedmann, K. (2003). Managing and Motivating Contact Center Employees: Tools and Techniques for Inspiring Outstanding Performance from Your Frontline Staff. New York: McGraw-Hill.

Weinberg, A., Sutherland, V., & Cooper, C. L. (2010). Organizational Stress Management: A Strategic Approach. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.

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