The positive and negative aspects of stress are apparent in the relationship between stress and performance, which appears as an inverted U-curve when depicted graphically. At low levels of stress, employees may not be sufficiently alert, challenged, or involved to perform at their best.
Increasing amounts of stress can improve performance up to a maximum level, which differs for different people and different tasks. Such an optimal level of stress probably exists for most tasks. Beyond this point, performance begins to deteriorate. At excessive levels of stress, employees are too agitated, aroused, or threatened to perform at their best. Professor Baxter can take these relationships into account to maximize the performance level of every student by letting each student specify the audience size that he or she would be most comfortable with. In this way, the level of stress can be optimized for each student's personal response to this specific task.
Stress is a real issue for both individuals and organizations. Fortunately, various guidelines, both organizational and individual, can help managers and employees manage stress in the workplace. These guidelines often focus on identifying and removing workplace stressors as well as helping employees cope with stress. Wellness programs are particularly promising in helping employees cope with stress.
Stress is a real issue for both individuals and organizations. Fortunately, various guidelines, both organizational and individual, can help managers and employees manage stress in the workplace. These guidelines often focus on identifying and removing workplace stressors as well as helping employees cope with stress. Wellness programs are particularly promising in helping employees cope with stress.