Stress, Crisis and Change Management
Definitions
Stress → defined as state of mental/emotional strain resulting from adverse / demanding
circumstances
Management of stress → technique used to help individuals cope with stress in order to
be productive
Crisis Management → the process that a business uses to deal with change and
development within business
Business related crisis → process that B use to manage unplanned situations that occur in
day-to-day operations
Theories Of Change Management → concepts/theories that provide in-depth approach to
organisational change
Stress
meaning
↳ defined as a mental state/emotional strain resulting from negative circumstances
• Strain → hinders ability to remember info and can affect their attention span +
effeciency
• stress → response of the body to anything that requires more action or work than
normal
• Employee that is stress = not able to balance the demands of getting work done vs
work they must do
• Physical + emotional response may be debilitating
↳ result in lower productivity ↳ may cause high levels of absenteeism
• stress → may result in low self-esteem + morale
Causes of stress in B environment
• a heavy workload + unrealistic targets + deadlines aggravated by time pressure
• working long hours without adequate breaks
• shift systems not properly designed and coordinated
• changes in job description + management or in technology
, • working at home to complete tasks not done at the office
• staying up to date with the latest technology
• attending many meetings that take time and do not allow employees to complete their
work tasks during working hours
• work demands that affect employees family and personal life
• inadequate training given to employees
• managers who are not competent and efficient
• job insecurity, bullying and harassment
• conflict with those in the business who have different beliefs and values
• the nature of interpersonal relationships with colleagues
• the frequency of work-related travel
• lack of accountability of employees and managers
• lack of participation in decision-making
• insufficient funds and vacant posts not filled
• unconducive working
• conditions a lack of power and influence
• lack of teamwork and conflict situations amongst employees
Importance of stress management in workplace
① If stress is not managed effectively
↳ absenteeism
↳ poor performance of staff
↳ conflict + grievances and complaints
② Stressed employees are more likely to miss work because they cannot cope + bc of
serious health problems.
③ Managing workplace stress will minimise absenteeism and maintain productivity in the
workplace
④ Workers who suffer from stress often make poor decisions + errors of judgement in
times of crisis → result in unforeseen emergencies
⑤ Grievances or complaints that lead to staff turnover → can be addressed if stress is
well-managed.
⑥ Conflict and interpersonal problems can be avoided if stress is managed at the
workplace.
⑦ Having stressed and tired employees serving the public may lead to
↳ poor service
↳ unhappy customers
⑧ Stressed employees are more likely to cling to the old ways of doing things by
resisting change
Definitions
Stress → defined as state of mental/emotional strain resulting from adverse / demanding
circumstances
Management of stress → technique used to help individuals cope with stress in order to
be productive
Crisis Management → the process that a business uses to deal with change and
development within business
Business related crisis → process that B use to manage unplanned situations that occur in
day-to-day operations
Theories Of Change Management → concepts/theories that provide in-depth approach to
organisational change
Stress
meaning
↳ defined as a mental state/emotional strain resulting from negative circumstances
• Strain → hinders ability to remember info and can affect their attention span +
effeciency
• stress → response of the body to anything that requires more action or work than
normal
• Employee that is stress = not able to balance the demands of getting work done vs
work they must do
• Physical + emotional response may be debilitating
↳ result in lower productivity ↳ may cause high levels of absenteeism
• stress → may result in low self-esteem + morale
Causes of stress in B environment
• a heavy workload + unrealistic targets + deadlines aggravated by time pressure
• working long hours without adequate breaks
• shift systems not properly designed and coordinated
• changes in job description + management or in technology
, • working at home to complete tasks not done at the office
• staying up to date with the latest technology
• attending many meetings that take time and do not allow employees to complete their
work tasks during working hours
• work demands that affect employees family and personal life
• inadequate training given to employees
• managers who are not competent and efficient
• job insecurity, bullying and harassment
• conflict with those in the business who have different beliefs and values
• the nature of interpersonal relationships with colleagues
• the frequency of work-related travel
• lack of accountability of employees and managers
• lack of participation in decision-making
• insufficient funds and vacant posts not filled
• unconducive working
• conditions a lack of power and influence
• lack of teamwork and conflict situations amongst employees
Importance of stress management in workplace
① If stress is not managed effectively
↳ absenteeism
↳ poor performance of staff
↳ conflict + grievances and complaints
② Stressed employees are more likely to miss work because they cannot cope + bc of
serious health problems.
③ Managing workplace stress will minimise absenteeism and maintain productivity in the
workplace
④ Workers who suffer from stress often make poor decisions + errors of judgement in
times of crisis → result in unforeseen emergencies
⑤ Grievances or complaints that lead to staff turnover → can be addressed if stress is
well-managed.
⑥ Conflict and interpersonal problems can be avoided if stress is managed at the
workplace.
⑦ Having stressed and tired employees serving the public may lead to
↳ poor service
↳ unhappy customers
⑧ Stressed employees are more likely to cling to the old ways of doing things by
resisting change
