"So much of what we call management consists of making it difficult for people to work" - Peter Drucker

No workplace can be totally free of stress, nor should it be, because stress creates interest and improves performance. When work demands consistently exceed people's skills and resources, they will burn out. In an over-stressed workplace, employees are unhappy and unhealthy, and employers suffer huge losses from lower productivity and increased mistakes, injuries, absenteeism, and sick time.

How many of the following thirty statements actually apply to YOUR workplace?

• You are not pressured to do more work than could reasonably be expected.
• You feel you have some control over the demands you face.
• Managers set clear goals and are open to discussion.
• They are on the job, not hiding in their offices.
• Their requests and responses are consistent.
• They listen, empathize, and offer solutions rather than criticism - showing they genuinely care.
• They give accurate feedback - praise you for your efforts, and suggestions for improvement - you know where you stand.
• They assist you and give you the resources to get the job done.
• Your creativity and input is encouraged.
• Your time is mostly spent on useful tasks.
• You are kept up to date about changes and the reasons for them.
• You can give effective input about changes which affect you.
• You're consulted regularly about problems and stresses in your work.
• Constructive solutions are found and put in place.
• When things are not going well people help each other take effective action.
• You feel your employer cares about you, and helps you in balancing work and family. commitments with policies such as flextime, personal time off, or work-at-home arrangements.
• Shift work is designed to minimize harmful effects.
• You don't face excessive danger, noise, or air pollution.
• Your pay is fair for the work you do.
• Good work is rewarded with recognition, money, and promotion.
• You can easily get more training if you need or want it.
• You get adequate breaks at regular intervals.
• You have a network of friends who support you - and there's a sense of fun and comradeship.
• There is an Employee Assistance Program and the benefits have been explained.
• Workplace rules are widely known and fairly enforced.
• There are effective policies against harassment and violence.
• Co-workers who are disruptive, lazy, or frequently off work are identified and dealt with effectively.
• The employer knows what stresses you face and provides relevant information, training, and tools to enable you to cope effectively.
• There are facilities (such as a gym) and programs to help you maintain and improve your health.
• The employer is honest and you're not asked to be dishonest.

Every job has its stresses, but the energy of stress can be harnessed to achieve greater performance and enjoyment. By learning how to target problem areas, and reduce the stress factor in the work place, employers can create not only more efficient workplaces, but ones where people actually want to be - thus vastly increasing the likelihood of their success in this competitive world.

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