Please review the powerpoint which is located in the class discussion.
There are two parts to this class discussion. Please respond on the class blog.
1. Please go to Siegel, D., The Hand Model of the Brain, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DD-lfP1FBFk
Would this exercise help you in identifying your stress or reducing your stress?
2. Please answer one of the following questions:
Should workplace wellbeing be part of the strategic intent of the organization?
Is it the responsibility of management to instruct participants in stress reduction techniques or coping skills techniques?
How could those techniques be implemented?
If they were implemented, what impact would it have on the wellbeing of the workplace?
Please respond by May 22, 2011. Thanks!
9 comments:
At my work, we use "Non-Violent Communication" and every staff and faculty member is required to take at least a three hour NVC training. I don't know if it really reduces stress, but it does give us a common vocabulary to use in sorting out problems and conflicts. That part is helpful.
Yes, I think it should be the responsibility of the employer in helping employees manage stress, especially if the job is particularly stressful. Unfortunately, this doesn't really happen much so people burn out or get sick and take sick leave. Unions in Canada are working hard to get "vicarious trauma" recognized as a potential workplace hazard for some professions like police, domestic violence workers, etc. but not so much progress yet. I think that if a worker breaks a leg at work and gets compensated, why shouldn't a worker who suffers from work related chronic stress not also get some help. We used to have "team days", professional development funding, etc. but with cuts always looming, perks like this are fast disappearing. I have always worked 2 part-time jobs as a way to manage stress (if that makes sense). A change is as good as break, especially in my field.
The hand brain model of Dr Seigal is a great way to demonstrate the profound way neuropsychology is having on understanding behaviour. Thank you for sharing that video and I'm going to use it at work with clients & interns.
Would this exercise help you in identifying your stress or reducing your stress?
Well, I did think that his explanation would be helpful for children/adolescents in identifying and understanding what they are feeling.
Should workplace wellbeing be part of the strategic intent of the organization?
I DEFINITELY feel that workplace wellbeing should be a part of the strategic intent of organizations. People have to spend so much time in the workplace and having access to services that improved wellbeing would make life much better (and in some cases bearable) for many. It's actually surprising how little is done in this area in most organizations.
This is great feedback!
Would this exercise help you in identifying your stress or reducing your stress?
Everyone is different. If you are asking if I, personally would be helped by this, the answer is no. I would be better helped by having a relaxation technique class or easy exercises that can be done at work or on-the-go than this video.
2. Please answer one of the following questions:
Should workplace wellbeing be part of the strategic intent of the organization?
It seems as if every organization and company gets to decide what is important to their particular situation. No. They shouldn't be mandated to have to provide this by the government. There is a big push to provide wellness to employees but I'm not so sure that is the best idea. Everyone is different. There is a great complexity of social situations out there that a workplace/government mandate would have trouble successfully implementing. Take a look at Oregon's largest employers. Do they do this? Not sure but would be an interesting question to ponder.
I would say that Oregon's biggest employer definitely does not do this yet they probably have the highest percentage of sick and unhappy employees.
1. Please go to Siegel, D., The Hand Model of the Brain, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DD-lfP1FBFk
Would this exercise help you in identifying your stress or reducing your stress?
I think it is very interesting, how to represent the brain in the hand model. However, personally, I don't think this would help me but everyone is different.
2. Please answer one of the following questions:
Should workplace wellbeing be part of the strategic intent of the organization?
I think there is a benefit to well-being in the workplace, but sometimes it can also go too far. I work at an insurance carrier for healthcare, and we have several well-being activities we can participate in and encourage healthy living. I think it is good for employees.
Many employers force their employees to participate in these activities to lower insurance premiums for helathcare costs. I personally believe when you force participation, the purpose gets a little lost. There needs to be a balance of activities and encouraging participation without forcing it.
I watched the video and think that this is a decent approach to help people begin to conceptualize how we experiences stress. That being said, it does overweight the experience toward thought and reaction, when for most stress is tight shoulders, aching hands, a bad back, etc. Non-neurocentered models can also provide people a model for how they manifest their wellness.
As for the questions, I believe the answer to the first is an absolute yes. While mandating particular models or participation may be counter-productive, I think employers should provide a welcoming attitude and facilitated space for employee wellness concerns. It really does have ann impact on productivity and the bottom line.
Stress and tension do occur on duty. That would be a mighty fine idea for companies to treat their employees to some perks that would help their productivity. And it would give a better image to the employer. Could be a win/win for both parties.
Workplace wellbeing
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