OPPapers.com

Workplace Wellness: De-Stressing The Stress

Introduction

Freshly showered and invigorated after her 30 minutes on the cross trainer machine, Tesla Jackson walks a few steps to her workstation, ready to finish her day with motivation and energy. Jackson is not a fitness instructor—she is a systems analyst for Kraft Foods, Inc. in Chicago, IL. She, like thousands of Americans, exercises at the workout facility provided by her company. Jackson's difficult high-tension job demands much from her, but she combats stress with frequent use of the free wellness center located only steps away from her desk.

The image of the stressed-out American has become a common sight. TV is crammed with images of minivans and cellular phones featuring frazzled working parents and wired "multitasking" employees. Whether working productively or not, many employees feel their supervisors must see them at their desks to be considered management material or to garner a big year-end bonus (Lynch, 4). Organizations spend more time keeping their technology up and running than they do on keeping their employees happy and healthy (Bolan, 1). Current research shows that many of today's major health problems are related to lifestyle at work which carries over to home life (Archer, 1). The innovations of technology in today's work environments have indeed caused an increase in stress in the workplace. Because most businesses use intranets, Internet, teleconferences, facsimiles, and a host of other forms of communication and technology, many employees often feel intimidated by the overwhelming use of these technologies. With this intimidation comes stress. According to Delima, stress can be both positive and negative. The author identifies an example of positive stress as preparation of a presentation for prospective clients. This stress is considered "natural" and has an end result of accomplishment and reward. However, many individuals experience stress that is detrimental because it affects daily life (Delima,...