Does stress contribute to your level of productivity? An article from Chief Learning Officer's website reports that the business industry is taking stress seriously and looking for ways to fight it.  To read that article click here.  It doesn't take a rocket scientist to conclude that Americans, in general, are stressed.  They have too much to do and too little time to do it in.  And the workplace contributes to this.  We continually expect more performance for less incentive and in less time. 

The article offers a variety of strategies to deal with stress in the workplace.  Some of them may be a great place to start.  However, I think the best, most effective way to combat stress is in the attitude.  If an employee can go to their employer with an issue, whether it is work related or not, and expect to find understanding and compassion then the employee is already less-stressed.  What's more, if that same employer then takes steps to assist with the issue then they have gained loyalty and respect from the employee.

I can remember when I was frantically trying to balance being a teacher and new mom.  I felt like a failure on both accounts.  My son would wake up with a fever and sore throat and would only want me to comfort him.  Unfortunately, I would call in to work to arrange for a substitute only to be met with guilt and reminders that my students need me too.  Inevitably, the job would win out and I would find someone to keep my sick child.  If only I could have had a little support from the system that is supposed to be all about the welfare of kids.  This tension was a source of great stress.  My principal was cold and uncaring.  She added to the stress and did nothing to diminish it.  After three years, I left that school to be a stay-home mom and I have very little feeling of loyalty or respect for that principal.  Stress is a genuine issue in the workplace but I suggest addressing it with an attitude change before implementing any strategies or seminars.