Managing Time and Stress
It’s official; workers are definitely more stressed than they were a decade or so ago. Various studies have shown this quite graphically, and new mental stress work compensation claims in Australia have virtually doubled in the last five years.
This is not unique to Australia. Dr Herbert Benson, founding President of the Mind/Body Medical Institute and Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, has this to say: "stress is at epidemic levels around the world and 60 to 90% of visits to doctors are stress-related” (Sydney Morning Herald, June l7, 2004, page 7 of Health & Science Supplement).
Recent research by Gallup also showed that about 20% of the workforce felt actively disengaged from their jobs. Poor work environments, the long working hours, increased work pace, and lack of job security, are often cited as the reasons for high stress levels. Most people have a strong need to find some meaning in their work, and increased numbers are unable to do so. From a corporate perspective, the increased stress levels and reduced motivation are certainly having a negative effect on the bottom line.
What can be done about this? Training is obviously not the total answer, but it is certainly part of the solution. People are being asked to work both smarter and harder, and it is very hard to keep doing both. Appropriate training can equip managers and their staff to apply proven techniques to manage their stress and develop greater resilience.
We offer a workshop which combines both stress management and time management. We deliberately combine the two areas because we see them as interdependent. People with poor time management techniques are less likely to achieve the demands of their job, which typically leads to higher stress levels. These higher stress levels in turn can lead to less sleep, poorer concentration and problem-solving ability, and in short, poorer time management.
A vicious downward spiral can all too easily develop, often leading to gross ineffectiveness, burnout, stress leave, etc. The reverse also applies, A good time manager is more likely to achieve their goals, have high work satisfaction and lower stress levels.
What do our Managing Time and Stress workshop participants say? A sample:
• "This was an effective and rewarding experience"
• "Well worth the time"
• "Came away with achievable goals that aren't too scary to deal with"
• "The relaxation at the end!!! And love the stuff on importance and urgency"
• "Not too heavy"
• "Great - very interesting"
• "Presentation was very good, interesting"
• "The relaxation exercise was a great positive"
• "Presentation was excellent"
• "Recommend"
• " Interesting topic, could talk for ages. Facilitator great."
• "Very helpful - feel better already. Definitely recommending to others."
Call 0438 792 300 or email us at
training@advancedhr.com.au, so that we
can discuss your needs
and explain our process.
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