Corporate stress causes untold damage to businesses and can adversely affect the culture of a whole organisation. Michael Whitenburgh of the `school of stress counselling` outlines the problems associated with corporate stress, and explains the three- step programme designed to combat it
Absenteeism owing to stress- related illness costs British industry billions of pounds every year. Add to this inefficient working practices and errors of judgement, which are caused by stress and lead to stress themselves, and it should be obvious that no cost- conscious employer can ignore the problem.
Whether a company or organisation is in the private sector, it makes economic sense for an employer to conduct a stress audit, to train staff to be aware of stress themselves, to recognise it in colleagues, and to provide a counselling service. Some American corporations claim a 60% reduction in absenteeism when a counsellor is employed. And World Health figures show that 70% of all illnesses are stress-related.
UNDERSTANDING STRESS
I define stress as the outward manifestation of an internal fear which is generated by conscious association and produces a behavioural, bodily or phobic symptom. The instincts we inherit from our primevil ancestors includes the ability to release adrenalin into our bodies when danger threatens, thus or preparing us to fight or flee physical danger. Today that fear may not be physical, but fear still causes the adrenalin to flow.
The result is a change in behaviour, loss of temper, aggression, depression or other emotional problems. It can show a physical problem- ulcers, psoriasis, acne or even asthma. And the development of irrational fears of heights, confined or open spaces, or water are all indicators of stress. The consequent deterioration of an employee’s performance is often caused by an emotional experience. This might be in or outside the work environment. This experience becomes locked in the mind, and constricts one of the five senses with which we collect information from the outside world.
This information is processed through our belief system, which in turn gives us our perception of reality. Any distortion of our senses affects our view of reality, which results in behavioural or bodily changes. Work suffers and disciplinary action may follow.
From my experience of treating such problems over the past 16 years in London and on Merseyside, I know that these and many more symptoms can be relieved by simple counselling and deep relaxation techniques, sometimes in a single session.
WHO IS AFFECTED BY STRESS
We all suffer from stress and it can be stimulating, providing adrenalin to achieve greater physical or mental peaks.
Its negative form, however, it can be debilitating, making life a misery for the individual affected, his or her family.
The chairman of a company and his executives can succumb to stress caused by business worries such as increased competition or the depressed state of the economy. This business pressure then percolates down through the company to managers, clerks, secretaries, sales staff , fork lift truck drivers and even the shop steward.
Personal stress caused by our finances, illness- our own or a member of our family’s- bereavement, marital or sexual problems add to those of the workplace and can result in problems for the employer.
DEALING WITH STRESS
The corporate environment is necessarily full of stressful situations, but some working practices can cause frustration which is one of the major contributors to stress.
In this environment there are three steps to resolving corporate stress, the first is to carry out a stress audit to detect any operations or working practices which may generate frustration. And if the employee performing the function is consulted about the operation he ore she may have ideas which may lead to greater efficiencies. Often in business there is a great reservoir of untapped knowledge and experience in personnel in relatively junior positions. Good communications and delegation of responsibility are frequently an answer to many stress stimulating situations.
Second, any organisation needs training for its executives, managers and staff. They need to understand what stress is, and how to recognise it in themselves and in colleagues. They also need to know how to resolve it, or to get help to do so.
It is often the function of managers to discipline staff, but they need also to be aware of the problems which stress can cause. If an employee has personal problems which are affecting their work, I ask the question, is the manager qualified to deal with such problems? And if he does offer advice, does it leave him or the company open to litigation?
This leads me onto the third step, the employment of a counselling service. From an employer’s point of view it has many advantages. First it gives the employee an impartial and confidential service which can rehabilitate that employee back to full efficiency.
Second, it will highlight any specific stressful areas or individuals that may avoid offering advice which may cause litigation. But in any event they are protected by indemnity insurance which takes the legal problems out of the employer’s hands.
Another legal aspect is in cases of dismissal. The fact that the counselling service is available, whether used or not by the employee, will weigh heavily in favour of the employer in any court or enquiry.
It thus makes sound economic sense to look after the emotional well- being of staff on all levels, and already some corporate institutions are employing counselling services.
I am concerned , however, that the organisations offering a stress management service should employ properly qualified and practising counsellors. Certainly there are a number of training organisations which are bolting on a stress management package. But the personnel operating that package should have counselling experience. It is inevitable that a trainer giving a lecture or holding a seminar will be asked to deal with aspects of emotional problems that only someone experienced in counselling can safely answer. There is little doubt that a stress management package will be cost effective. It will demonstrate that the organisation employing such a strategy is a caring and understanding employer, and should lead to a more co- operative loyal workforce.
MICHAEL Whitenburgh
THE SCHOOL OF STRESS COUNSELLING
STRESS A CO- ORDINATED APPROACH
The common thread of hands on experience links three organisations in resolving problems caused by stress
TUITION : The School of Stress Counselling gives private tuition for students in stress management counselling and hypnotherapy. Course devised by psychoanalyst Michael Whitenburgh from his own practical experience. Home study, from course notes and audio cassettes, supported by residential workshops and individual tutorial sessions. Scheduled for 11 months but course is flexible to meet individual demands.
TREATMENT : The Whitenburgh Stress Clinics in Liverpool and London provide private treatment for stress and other emotional problems. Counsellors, hypnotherapists,
hypno- analyst and psychoanalysts can treat behavioural problems, bodily disorders, and phobias.
CORPORATE STRESS : Corporate Stress Limited offers an emotional welfare packages for all sizes of organisation. Designed to meet the customers requirements.
Corporate Stress Limited can provide a complete stress management service including a stress audit, stress awareness courses, lectures or seminars for all levels of staff and executives, plus an on or off site counselling service and even one hour group stress reductions sessions. Residential courses or day courses for stress management and assertive training. Also private analytical treatment arranged.
STRESS PROBLEM????
To understand stress and the services we can offer, write or phone for our leaflet `Window on the Mind` to our combined enquiry office at:- 88 Rodney Street Liverpool
L1 9AR Telephone 051 707 1815
Michael Whitenburgh has practised as psychoanalyst for the past 16 years at the School of Stress Counselling headquarters in Rodney Street , Liverpool and Harley Street, London.