Stress
The prevention of stress at work || a big problem in search of a big solution
There is no doubt that there is massive ambiguity surrounding stress at work. Where there is ambiguity there is good reason to do nothing. Stress is often too complicated a topic to discuss, and many people are reduced to generalities that cut no ice with the decisive, hard pressed, threatened businessman or politician, often under pressure herself, or the nicely financially cushioned public servant who simply hasn’t the time for such wishy washy ideas. ‘Give me answers’ is the universal cry, ‘Don’t give me all this soft crap. Give me a dose of Sugar anytime’.
Stress
There are different and conflicting ideas about stress. Some say its good for you, others say its bad. The Health and Safety Executive defines stress as ‘the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressure or other types of demand placed on them’. What is ‘excessive pressure’ and what is the ‘adverse reaction’?
Sanity Check
If you have a grievance that you’re having trouble articulating, it might have crossed your mind that it’s all in your head, and that you should put up with the thing you feel compelled to complain about, and even that you might be paranoid. You might even have had this word used to explain your dissatisfaction with your situation. You would not be the first sane person to have experienced this.