We can learn lots about stress management, and how stress management can benefit workplaces.  For example, dairy farmers are drastically changing the way in which cows are raised. Dairy farmers have found that creating a relaxing, non-stressful environment for the cows, turns into better profits.  Cows no longer are cooped up in small stalls, or separated from their young; instead they roam freely in a large high tech barn that is designed for maximum comfort. The floor of these barns are made of stainless steel, that's so that the robotic squeegee can scrape all waste matter away to prevent disease. The cows also have access to large "car-wash type" brushes that automatically spin when a cow is present, this is to help the cow get at those irritating itches. Milking the cow is accomplished by a laser guided machine that finds each nipple, all without any person touching the cow.  Once hooked up, the machine monitors the milk for any temperature changes or disease. To further reduce stress the cow is always with their young, even when it's time for milking.

Dairy farmers say that a happy cow gives more milk, and that the milk is better quality. They are witnessing positive results from there investment in stress management.

How can we apply stress management to everyday workers? We need to first realize that stressed workers are less productive, more prone to accidents, have more sick days, and cost the company many thousands of dollars on the bottom line.

The solution to these problems can come through a good stress management program were employees feel good about coming to work and doing the best job they can. Creating this friendly, non-confrontational atmosphere can be attained through: commitment; desire; and proper leadership. The monetary cost of stress management can be minimal when you understand your psychosocial hazards that exist in your workplace, and you control them.

Over the past twenty years of health and safety management, there has been much study on the term Psychosocial hazard, and, if it really exists in our workplaces.  The Ministry of Labor, W.S.I.B., Health and Safety Professionals, and Union Leaders all recognize that psychosocial hazards are real, and that they can be controlled just as much as physical hazards. Studies have shown that for every dollar spent on controlling psychosocial hazards, you can save between 3 - 6 dollars on your bottom line.

 

 

What do you think?

Lets get some opinions going please!

I don't know a lot about stress managment in the workplace, but I agree that it can be very rewarding. I guess that we indirectly have certain aspects of our company that contribute to stress management. Unlike a lot of the up and coming industrial worksites in the area, we do not require the employees to wear a uniform. I believe this allows the employee to dress in what they feel comfortable (as long as it is within the company guidelines). We also allow workers to have music at the workstations or in the departments. I believe that music is a great stress reliever. These are two examples that I can think of in our facility that reduce stress at no cost to the company! I am sure that many companies do the same; but what other ideas, solution, etc. are out there for stress managment?

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Tim Croley,
Safety Coordinator
CMCA

I am glad you comented on this topic,  Thank-You.

 

I worked in a factory that had music at every station.  It passed the day and kept your mood up.  One day the boss decided to not allow music anymore...that was not a good idea.  I myself became very frustrated and angry.  The day took forever to pass as it slowly moved on to quitting time.  The mood in the place was very negative and the boss quickly changed his mind.  That was a good idea.

This is a great example of how a workplace can do well, or fail in the psychological realm. 

I haven't done much studying on stress management but as you give it deeper thought you have to ask is there something to this? I' ve seen it several times in many industries, more and more responsibility is placed on the manager to push the worker to be more productive but when incident rates and employee retention suffers the real reason is not discovered. It would do us all good to look at these types of problems from every angle... good dicussion topic.

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R. Hall, OHST, CSHO

There is an old saying..."A Bucket of Honey is Better than A Bucket of Poop"! This saying is very true, and it also says a lot about how important it is to treat your workforce well.  Workers that are treated well don't talk about getting a union to come in and represent them.  They work hard for their managers and most important, they have respect for their managers.  I am glad that this is starting to be realized in this discussion.  "Stress Management" it is very real, infact I would guess it is the biggest unrecognized problem that exists today in most workplaces.  The brave people who have studied stress management agree on this point, and they also agree that controlling them can have a very positive impact on your bottom line. 

     You pitched in to help me on the safety meeting ideas thread awhile back 5 star, so I'll jump in here and add a little. The "old saying" you used brought a big smile to me as the bucket of poop part brought back fond memories. During my childhood, we often had a garden. You can guess, the buckets of poop were far more valuable than honey. Mother still refers to manure as 'green gold'. Isn't it great that you can use just about anything to drive home a point.  

     Here is a varient of that old saying you used. You can kick the hive and still get some honey, but you pay a painful price. A big thank you for all your efforts. The subject of stress management needs to stay on the radar for some time yet.

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Lonnie

That's not new. My grandpa told me 40 years ago, happy cows give more milk. I think it is the same in industry. If your not happy at work, you don't want to be at work and you will look for excusses not to be there. If it means claiming a strain to get off for a few days; it is well work the loss of money sometimes to get a few days off on worker's comp.

I feel that stress is the first step to violent situations. I like to have key people in place that I use a spoters. These key people are the eyes of management and the ears of employees. There will always be some kind stress at work. Let the employees help each other first. It builds team work and saves management time and money. 

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Orville Murphy, Trainer/ Founder
Homeland America
http://www.homelandamerica.org

Hi

I think i am in the right forum to discuss this...i would like to share this with you all assuming that it may be helpful to the members of this forum..

I have found a great site that sells downloadable "Stress Managament" audio books by some of the leading Authors in the field. I have recently discovered the benefits of listening to Audio books as I have a 2 hour drive to get to work each day!.

You can also get a 10% discount off your first purchase by using this special code when you check out - 322944.

Here is the link directly to their "Stress Management" category.

Hope you find the site as useful as I have, if so post back your comments.

Cheers

Dexter

Sir, I have to disagree with your argument. I work for an organic supermarket and the fact that you think that cows are less stressed in a barn with a stainless steel floor is sadly mistaken. Cows are happier in PASTURE! They need access to the outdoors and fresh air as they are made to do. If you want to destress them let them go outside. All of the methods described are no substitute for mother nature.