Passage Six

Questions 26-30 are based on the following passage.

In Jane Collard's opinion, stress is becoming an increasingly common feature of the workplace. Stress is a highly individual reaction, which varies considerably from person to person, and it is difficult for some employees to avoid it. Indeed, stress is regarded by many as part of the organizational culture of our institution: it comes with the job. Recent figures indicate that time taken of work because of stress has increased by 50 percent since the 1950s. Undoubtedly, changes in working conditions have led to greater pressure at work at all levels. With educations in staffing, workloads for individual employees have increased. In addition, many employees are left worrying about the security of their jobs.

On the stress management courses that she runs, Jane Collard tries to make the trances realize that stress in itself is not harmful. Everyone needs a certain level of stress to enable them to feel motivated and to perform effective. A complete absence of stress can be as damaging as over stress since it can make people lose interest in their work, and even lead to depression. The difficulties occur when the amount of stress rises above a level which is. healthy for a particular individual. If this happens, the effects are very obvious and the trainees are taught to recognize the signs. Stress may be expressed physically, for example through headaches and tiredness, or through emotional problems such as depression. A person suffering from stress may also start to behave differently, and can be difficult to deal with.

While it may not always be possible to prevent stress, there are a number of ways in which it can be controlled. The first thing that the trainees learn is how to manage their time effectively. This involves, first of all, setting realistic goals for both the short and long terms. Once this framework has been established, tasks are then prioritized on a daily basis. The trainees are also reminded that when they are under pressure the less important items should be left, and they should never hesitate to delegate. Everyone is encouraged to look at ways of reducing wasted time", for example by grouping similar tasks together or dealing with items immediately.

Jane feels that one of the most useful features of the course is that it enables trainees to deal with those demands or deadlines that they regard as unreasonable. They are encouraged to avoid being defensive, but at the same time they are advised not to be afraid of saying no". They are asked to give reasons only if necessary. The training helps them to foresee difficult situations or unwanted demands, and they learn how to prepare themselves mentally. Everyone is encouraged not to get stuck in negative thought patterns, where stress can feed a circular sense of helplessness. One solution they discuss is to think of a more encouraging alternative for each negative message. They learn, for example, to remind themselves that nothing terrible happens when a demand is refused or a deadline missed. Life goes on.