Introduction
There are different approaches to reducing stress levels in an organization. To choose the appropriate program, it is necessary to assess the available options based on a range of criteria, such as current stress level, aims of a stress reduction program, a number of staff members involved into the program, time necessary to complete a program, cost of a program and other.
Given I am in charge of stress reduction in a school, I need to help teachers cope with stress caused by their job responsibilities, intensity of their work, and communication with colleagues, supervisors, and students. Below three different programs are analyzed.
Stress Reduction Programs
Stress-Free Zone
This approach is often used by many large companies. For example, in (Carlaw, Carlaw, Deming & Friedmann), it is describe how the stress-free zone was applied at SAT Campbell Software (p. 92).
This approach does not require a manager to spend considerable effort. It can be helpful when time and funds are limited.
Team Training
If a manager responsible for stress reduction sees that the level of stress in the organization has been grown considerably, it may be reasonable to invite a specialist who will learn the staff how to cope with role-related stress and other challenges they face at work.
This program is perfect if an organization has enough funding to invite a specialist.
Individual Stress Program Development
A manager responsible for stress reduction may develop a long-term program that implies a perpetual assessment of employees’ stress levels and development of recommendations for them.
According to (Weinberg, Sutherland & Cooper, 2010), detecting the sources of stress is the key component of a stress reduction program (p. 10). This program is optimal if a manager has enough time to fulfill it and wants stress reduction actions be very precise and effective.
Conclusion
Considering that: 1) generally, schools do not have enough funding to introduce expensive stress reduction programs; 2) stress reduction is not the only responsibility of a manager who is involved into it, the first stress reduction program, which is “Stress-Free Zone” is the best option for applying at school. It will help teachers reduce stress levels, save the money, and show that the school authorities care of their subordinates.
References
Carlaw, M., Carlaw, P., Deming, Vashuda K., & Friedmann, K. (2003). Managing and Motivating Contact Center Employees: Tools and Techniques for Inspiring Outstanding Performance from Your Frontline Staff. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Weinberg, A., Sutherland, V., & Cooper, C. L. (2010). Organizational Stress Management: A Strategic Approach. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.