Question

This week you will examine employee empowerment interventions. This discussion will center on a concept called transaction analysis, and another topic called stress management. Causes of and cures for stress will be the dominant topics. Relate any personal experiences you have had with stress and the stress management techniques that have been helpful.

Answer 1

REAL LIFE EXAMPLES:

Twenty-two female clerical workers in my work area participated in focus group meetings where they talked about and made sense of their experiences of work stress. The women's accounts were analysed using discourse analysis methods an examination of how talk is constructed, The findings revealed that talking about being stressed provides a socially acceptable way of expressing discomfort and regaining a sense of importance that is lost through feeling under-valued and under-appreciated in the organization. In contrast, admitting to being unable to cope with stress was considered to be ‘abnormal’. The stress discourse fosters a sense of helplessness and ambiguity by not acknowledging external influences on clerical workers’ experiences, such as their place within the power structure of the organization, and by limiting their sense of agency and control over problems experienced at work. The implications of these findings for organizational culture and interventions are discussed. employers are encouraged to be conscious of the messages being sent to employees about how negative emotions or distressing experiences at work are to be addressed . how ‘stress’ is to be managed. Recommendations were made for future research using discourse analysis, such as the examination of alternative discourses that aim to improve conditions at work.

FEW STRESS MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES THAT ARE HELPFUL:

• Be assertive instead of aggressive. Assert your feelings, opinions, or beliefs instead of becoming angry, defensive, or passive.
• Learn and practice relaxation techniques; try medetation ,yoga or tai-chi for stress management.
• Exersise regularly. Your body can fight stress better when it is fit.
• Eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
• Learn to manage your time more effectively.
• Set limits appropriately and learn to say no to requests that would create excessive stress in your life.
• Make time for hobbies, interests, and relaxation.
• Get enough rest and sleep Your body needs time to recover from stressful events.
• Don't rely on alcohol, drugs, or compulsive behaviors to reduce
• keep a positive attitude.
• Accept that there are events that you cannot control
• Seek out social support and Spend enough time with those you enjoy.