Worker Stress
September 25, 2007
Companies take steps to fight worker stress
Some organizations are developing programs that seek out people who are working under the kind of intense stress that stifles productivity.
After three suicides among engineers at French automaker Renault, the company initiated a $10 million program to fight stress. It includes training to reduce negativity, recognizing over-stressed workers, and setting up places where employees can socialize.
In the U.S., General Electric is going so far as to bring comedians into the workplace and is reducing negativity in dealing with workers.
General Mills has introduced personalized services at its headquarters so employees who work long hours can spend more time with their families and less time running errands.
IBM gives workers around the world an online stress test designed by Yale University. At the end of the test, it gives advice on how the workers could reduce stress.
At Yale’s Wharton School, they say setting negative consequences as a tool for motivation is not good for mental health. Workers begin to focus on their weaknesses instead of their strengths.
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