Peter S. Carlson
MGMT 305
Dr. Peter H. Antoniou
December 6, 2012
Abstract
This paper will discuss the topic of work-related stress and its management. It will present a general introduction or definition of stress and will discuss several subtopics related to work stress. This paper will present several subtopics including a model of stress known as the General Adaptation Syndrome, the causes of stress, the consequences of stress, and how to manage work-related stress. A solution for the problem of work-related stress will be presented. This paper will present a solution that entails how to cope with stress, and how to eliminate, or at least reduce, the amount of work-related stress. In general, this paper will present what stress is, what causes work-related stress, what the consequences of stress are, and how to deal with stress in the workplace.
Work-Related Stress and its Management What is stress? Stress is generally defined as “an adaptive response to a situation that is perceived as challenging or threatening to the person’s well-being.” Stress is also a physiological and psychological condition that prepares an individual to adapt to an environment that is hostile or threatening. Although stress is usually thought of as a negative experience, there is actually another type of stress that is necessary and beneficial. So there are really two types of stress – distress and eustress. Distress is what is commonly known as a negative experience. It is the amount of difference between healthy and unhealthy physiological, psychological, and behavioral functioning. On the other hand, eustress activates and motivates an individual to accomplish and succeed in challenging goals in life. In other words, eustress is a necessary part of one’s life. For example, if an employee is working on an important and challenging project at work, he or she will certainly have some stress. However, this type of stress could be eustress. This
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