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What is stress?◦ Hans Selye introduced the term in the 1930s
Eustress – reaction to good situations Distress – reaction to bad situations
◦ Engineers consider stress as an impulse that causes stress on the receiving structure Ex. A heavy load creates stress for your vertebral
column
Physiological reactions to stress◦ Both positive and negative stress create the same
reactions within the body◦ The adrenal gland is stimulated to secrete
epinephrine and norepinephrine Stress causes emotions
◦ The basic experience of stress is emotional◦ Emotions can cause changes in the body
functions◦ Can cause physical disease◦ Increases muscle tension creating bodily pains
Stress at work and leisure◦ Mind-body interaction: psychological problems
can create physical ailments and physical problems can lead to psychological issues
◦ Stress at work depends on: Interactions of the individual with the work
environment Problems outside of work
◦ Individual reactions to the same stressors will be different
Coping with stress◦ Distress, anger, depression and anxiety can result
from a stressful situation◦ Stress is subjective so the management approach
must be specific to the individual: Management techniques can be aimed directly at the
work demands Time management Work style adaptation Communication styles Setting limits
Stress management techniques may also focus on individual emotions: Re-evaluation of the situation Use of humor Relaxation exercises Hobbies outside of work
Lifestyle changes may have to occur Physical fitness Nutrition Smoking and drinking Quitting stressful job if another is available
Eliminating stress at work◦ Common stressors in the workplace
1. Job content2. Demand intensity3. Workload complexity4. Repetitive monotonous work5. Excessive responsibility6. Unreasonable supervisor7. Environment (noise, temperature, crowded space)8. Lack of recognition for work done9. Lack of control over one’s job10. Lack of job security11. Lack of social support12. Bullying boss or coworkers
Effects of stress◦ Changes in feelings and behavior
Irritability, dissatisfaction, decreased attention, anxiety, depression, damaged relationships
◦ Health issues Disturbed sleep, CVD, GI problems, musculoskeletal
problems, decreased immune response◦ Maladaptive behaviors
Smoking, alcohol, drug abuse◦ Negative effects on the organization
Increase employee absence, poor work attitude, reduced productivity
Is stress always harmful?◦ Life without stressors would be boring◦ The amount of stress determines if it is harmful◦ The line between healthy and pathological stress
varies◦ Challenging tasks can be captivating and
satisfying Measurement of stress
◦ Variety of psychological techniques: Well-being surveys, stress arousal checklists, mood
assessments, emotional intelligence questionnaires, assessments of coping capabilities
Computer adaptation syndrome◦ Introduction of computers into the workplace
created high levels of stress for employees Worried they didn’t have enough technical
knowledge to operate computers Concerned about radiation from the monitor
◦ Ended quickly due to improved software and training
◦ Older workers adapted to the increased ease of tasks and young personnel grew up with computers, so CAS disappeared rapidly
Blue and white collared work◦ Common distinction used to exist between
physical laborers (blue collared) and mental laborers (white collared)
◦ The division no longer exists because there is such a cross over Ex increased use of electronics in automobile repair
◦ Some jobs still do rely mainly on mental capabilities Teachers, doctors, pilots
◦ Need to be able to evaluate both types of jobs
Overload vs. Underload◦ Overload
Performance is incomplete Operator may suffer physically and psychologically Measuring the quality of performance determines
degree of overload◦ Underload
Operator can perform better and produce more Measuring the residual determines the degree of
underload
Task performance◦ Depends on task demands (intensity, complexity,
time) and workload (depends on individual capabilities, motivation, fatigue)
Heavy work requires high energy usage and demands on the heart
Energy and CV ability set limits on the amount of physical work performed
Machines have decreased the need for heavy work in many jobs
Physical labor is still seen in farming, mining, agriculture
Still a major ergonomic issue in developing countries
Too little, too much◦ Some jobs demand too much effort and some
require too little◦ Employees can be underloaded and become
bored or overloaded and stressed◦ A balance needs to exist between load and
demand◦ Task performance suffers under both underload
and overload conditions
Workload depends on:1. The intensity of the task2. The capabilities of a person to perform the job◦ Demand and ability also depends on willingness
and perceived stress Complex jobs, complex assessments
◦ Table 12.1 Typical Methods of workload assessment
Listen to the worker◦ Psychophysical measurements combine biomechanics,
physiology and psychology in their assessment◦ An experienced worker can integrate the different
elements of the job and summarize its good points and stressors
Borg Scales◦ Psychometric scale used to measure the ratings of
perceived exertion (RPE) and CR 10 scale◦ High reliability because they can be repeated with the
same results ◦ High validity because they correlate with HR
measurements◦ Advantages: inexpensive, don’t interfere with work,
provide a good summary of work stressors