Most Frequently Asked Questions About Stress
Q: I feel that my workload is too much for me. What can I do about this?
A: First of all, you need to be very clear as to whether your workload is too great or if you have received insufficient training to carry it out. If it is a case of too much to do in too little time, then you need to talk to your boss and discuss it in a clear and concise way. You will need to look at the urgent priorities and have this as a point of discussion at your meeting.
Q: What is the Homes-Rahe Life Changes Scale?
A: In 1976, psychiatrists Thomas Holmes and Richard Rahe examined the medical records of over 5,000 medical patients as a way to determine whether stressful life events might cause illness. People were asked to tally a list of 43 life events based on a relative score. Thus the Social Readjustment Rating Scale or the Holmes and Rahe Stress scale was born.
Q: What is the importance of support network to me at times of stress?
A: It is important to be aware that learning how to deal with stress can be made demonstrably easier with the support from colleagues, family or friends. Strong and caring friendships are an essential benefit in helping you to learn how to cope with pressure and to counteract stress. ‘A problem shared is a problem halved’ is a rather well-worn phrase, but in the area of stress management, it is undeniably true.
Q: What are the early warning symptoms of stress in my team?
A: Here are some key indicators:
· Unexplained absenteeism
· Reduced work performance
· Loss of concentration
· Increased work errors
· Poor timekeeping
· Working unnecessary long hours
· Frequently reporting sick
· Irritability or aggression
· Avoidance of face-to-face contact
· Loss of ambition
Carole Spiers
CEO, Carole Spiers Group
BBC Guest-Broadcaster. Motivational Speaker
Author of a new book ‘Show Stress Who’s Boss!’
