Managing Stress in HR

Transcription

1 Managing Stress in HR u Dr Susan Power Consultant Occupational Physician u EHA CIPD 2 nd December 2009

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3 Stress u What is it? u Perceived imbalance between demands and ability to cope u Is it always a bad thing

4 Problem with terminology u We use the same word for stimulus (cause) and effect u Differentiate between Stress and Stress related illness.

5 Fight or Flight

6 Fight or Flight u Perceived Danger u Release of Noradrenaline, adrenaline, and Cortisol u Stimulation of sympathetic nervous system

7 Fight or Flight u Muscles brace (tense up) u Blood pressure, heart rate rises u Breathing quickens u Pupils Dilate u Scan everywhere for danger u Blood diverted away from less vital areas u Bladder and Bowels empty

8 Culmination of fight or flight u Remarkable feats of strength u Mothers lifting cars u Improved performance u Physical exertion u Fighting u Running

9 Problematic today u MD says wage roll must be cut by 10%! u Initiates release of fight or flight chemicals u Do you run away? u Do you punch him/her? u Or something else?

10 u Muscle Tension u Neck muscles u Tension Headache u Chest muscles u Chest pain u Increases respiratory rate u Blurring of vision u Pins and needles u Increased Blood pressure u Bowel problems u Irritable bowel u Ulcers Physiological manifestations of stress

11 Psychological u Immediate u Heightened awareness u Seeing threats everywhere u Delayed u Decreased coping u burn out u Depressive Illness

12 Occupational Stress

13 Common HR Stressors Tiger Years u Lack of Control u Too much work u Recruitment pressures u Pressures on benefits / pay u Interpersonal issues/ Bullying u Lack of training/ support u Work Life balance

14 Common HR Stressors Today u Redundancies u Costs, costs and costs u Worry re own position u Attendance pressures u Meat in sandwich u As well as all of the above

15 Behavioral u Shortened Temper u Violence u Alcohol u Drugs

16 Depression (A stress related illness?) u Causes u Genetic u Biochemical u Environmental u Frequency u 1 in 3 will suffer major depressive episode in a lifetime u Diagnosis u Symptoms for at least 2 weeks u Interfering with life, work etc.

17 Symptoms of depression u u u u u u u u u u Prolonged sadness or unexplained crying spells Significant changes in appetite and sleep patterns Irritability, anger, worry, agitation, anxiety Pessimism, indifference Loss of energy, persistent lethargy Feelings of guilt, worthlessness Inability to concentrate, indecisiveness Inability to take pleasure in former interests, social withdrawal Unexplained aches and pains Recurring thoughts of death or suicide

18 Treatment u Often requires Medication u Even where obvious precipitant u Remove cause u Admission u ECT u Psychotherapy/ counseling u May have to wait for response to medication

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20 Vicious Circle u Someone who is depressed u Performance drops u Coping diminishes u Feels inferior/ worthless u Unable to cope with normal workplace situations u Chicken or egg?

21 Warning Signs u Unable to Switch Off u Sunday Evening Syndrome u Insomnia u Irritability/ Short Fuse u Behaviour changes

22 Peter principle u The original principle states that u in a hierarchically structured administration, people tend to be promoted up to their "level of incompetence".

23 The Mary principle u Who gets the next task u Mary u Busy but always gets job done well u Nuala u More time and gets job done fairly well most of the time u Kate u Plenty of time but hit and miss if job done at all and may have to be redone

24 Stress during employment u Early detection and treatment improves the chances of a positive outcome u Range of responses usually required - familiarity with the ways stress can present - regular analysis of sick notes - return to work interviews - triggers for action - establish relationship with Occ Health/EAP/Medical provider

25 The Stressed HR Where do you turn u u u u u Occupational Health EAP GP Colleagues Company

26 Problems faced by stress HR Can be more difficult because of role but everyone is human and has breaking point. Professionals CAN differentiate between therapeutic relationship and business relationship

27 And You u Responsibilities u To Self u To own Family u To colleagues u To employer

28 Self Help u Realise own limitations u Most of us can not change the world u Make deliberate decisions to leave work at work u Seek help early u Occ Health u EAP u Management

29 Three ways to cope with stressful situation u Accept it u Change it u Change your approach u Change stress at source u Remove it u Remove cause u Holiday/ Sick Leave u Change role u Resign

30 Useful tricks u Do not put off difficult tasks u If possible avoid stressful situations u Do not confuse the role with the person u Stress breakers u Exercise after work u Active relaxation

31 Do NOTS u Turn to Alcohol/drugs u Personalise work place issues u Take work home u Put Principles ahead of your own health