After taking the Life Stress Inventory, Coping and Stress Management Skills, and Type A Personality Survey, I learned a few new things about myself. I found that I have low stress and that I have a mix of type A and B personalities. The latter was quite surprising, as most of my life, I thought I was a complete type A personality because I typically lean into challenge stressors. As for my professional career, I plan to implement three steps to reduce stress. I first want to have non-negotiable stoppage times at work, as they allow me to rest and maintain a healthy work/life balance. During the rest time, I also want to focus on exercise and mindfulness, as they help reduce stress. Additionally, I want to maximize my PTO days and the wellness benefits my organization offers, as these tools will help me reduce work-related stress. The last step I want to take comes from First Break All Rules: What the World’s Greatest Managers Do Differently by Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman. In the novel, they suggest that individuals focus on their particular strengths and play into them rather than focusing on weaknesses. This shift in mindset will help me reduce stress by grounding my mind in constant positivity rather than negativity. By actively striving towards these goals, I hope to have a more productive and stress-free professional life.
According to research, companies are facing many issues with stress and mental health. A study conducted by Aflac reported that 72% of staff feel highly stressed and burned out at work. The study also states that employees have recorded lows in mental health scores as many individuals face job insecurity, isolation, and financial issues. All of the factors lead organizations to spend more than ever on mental health benefits to support their personnel. These businesses are adding tools such as counseling, flexible schedules, mindfulness, and more to reduce employee stress. Overall, many companies want to help their staff improve their mental health as it creates a more productive and welcoming workplace.
Buckingham, Marcus, and Curt W Coffman. First, Break All the Rules: What the World’s Greatest Managers Do Differently, Gallup Press, 2014. ProQuest Ebook Central, https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/osu/detail.action?docID=1584214.
Cieri, Mike. Outline- Health and Safety. Mgmt 553: Human Resources Management, Oregon State University. Canvas, Health & Safety.
