Relieving Workplace Stress
With all of the information regarding the benefits of workplace massage, such as increased alertness, increased staff morale and dedication to the job, decreased absences and decreased health insurance costs, among other things, I often wonder why the administration doesn't offer this more. It only takes 10-15 minutes and can be done before or after class or during breaks. As instructors, maybe we should approach the administration about this more.
I agree take a walk and listen to music helps out.
Such a tough balancing act for so many instructors James! Our administrations are designed to try to make a good profit. Our focus is on learning. Sometimes we have to sacrifice one thing for another.
It's a fine line between student experience\learning and profit. Unfortunatly without profit there can't be anything else. The facility will cease to exist
I teach days and nights 4 days a week. Everyday I either sit outside in the sun or go for a ride in my car, or just walk around the building. This helps with the stress. I always try to spend a lot of time outside in the sun to soak up the Vitamin D, tis also makes e more awake and alert
yes. so long as the area in which the school is located is sufficiently safe to allow it.
i to believe a walk outside to release stress helps
Thanks for your thoughtful reply as well as references Amber. Great stuff. I agree with the suggestion of workplace massage and it's true that when employers go out of their way to keep employees happy, employees are more efficient and effective in the workplace.
Stress is a negative consequence associated with many career fields, including teaching at a career college. Prolonged stress can cause physical ailments such as headaches, back aches, changes in appetite, unusual heartbeat, unusual breathing, and anxiety (Yarnell, 2008).
There are simple steps that can be taken to help reduce stress in the work place. Examples include getting up from the desk and actually doing some type of physical exercise (walking around the office, stretching, yoga). In addition to reduce stress watch what you are eating. Foods high in sugar and caffeine can contribute to the physical ailments associated with stress.
If it has been shown that exercise in an important healthy way to manage stress, why are employers not encouraging a more active lifestyle? Paying for a gym membership for all employees could help promote a healthier less stressful life. Another suggestion could be starting a “walking teamâ€. The team could designate days/times when instructors can get together and walk in a group. This could give time for physical activity and allow for time for instructors to vent about frustrations. Which in theory could help alleviate additional stress too? When an instructor feels better and less stress, couldn’t this ultimately improve their ability to teach?
I like the suggestion of workplace massage. As an instructor, I personally think it sounds beneficial and relaxing. When an employer goes the extra mile and provides benefits such as this, it would make me feel more appreciated in the work environment.
Yarnell, T. (2008) Stress Test. Retrieved on April 28, 2011 from http://selfhelpsolutions.homestead.com/stress.html
Career schools can be a tough environment Ines. There is a great focus on maintaining profit margins. Sometimes, this translates to a focus on student happiness instead of a focus on the faculty and the administration.
In career schools little is done to take care of their staff properly and to keep them happy. Instructors can however to release stress and exercise, on their breaks take a walk outside of the school.
