Briefly describe the five ways of managing work-related stress.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

(1) Remove the Stressor: Removing the stressor usually begins by identifying areas of high stress and determining the main causes of the stress. Techniques such as job sharing, flexible
and restricted work hours, job sharing, telecommuting, personal leave, and child care support
help employers remove the stressor.
(2) Withdraw from the Stressor: Removing the stressor may be the ideal solution, but it is often
not feasible. An alternative strategy is to permanently or temporarily remove employees from
the stressor. Permanent withdrawal occurs when employees are transferred to jobs that better
fit their competencies and values. Temporarily withdrawing from stressors is the most frequent
way that employees manage stress. Vacations and holidays are important opportunities for
employees to recover from stress and reenergize for future challenges.
(3) Change Stress Perceptions: Another way to manage stress is to help employees improve
their self-concepts so that job challenges are not perceived as threatening. One study reported
that personal goal setting and self-reinforcement can also reduce the stress that people
experience when they enter new work settings.
(4) Control Stress Consequences: Coping with workplace stress also involves controlling its
consequences. Techniques such as fitness, relaxation, and meditation help employees
achieve this.
(5) Receive Social Support: Social support occurs when coworkers, supervisors, family
members, friends, and others provide emotional and informational support to buffer an
individual's stress experience. It potentially improves the person's resilience.