Stress advice and help for Corporate Companies
Stress may be considered as any physical, chemical, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental unrest and that may be a factor in disease causation. Recent statistics confirm that work related stress is widespread in the UK working population and is not confined to particular sectors or high risk jobs or industries.
In 2005/6 work related stress, depression and anxiety cost Great Britain in excess of 530 million. The number of 
workers who had sought medical advice for what they believed to be work related stress increased by 110,000 to an estimated 530,000 In 2008/09 an estimated 415,000 individuals in Britain, who worked in the last year, believed that they were experiencing work-related stress at a level that was making them ill (prevalence), according to a Labour Force Survey.
What is stress and why do we need to tackle it?
People get confused about the difference between pressure and stress. We all experience pressure regularly it can motivate us to perform at our best. It is when we experience too much pressure and feel unable to cope that stress can result. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) estimates the costs to society of work-related stress to be around 4 billion pounds each year, while 13.5 million working days were lost to stress in 2007/08. By taking action to reduce the problem, you can help create a more productive, healthy workforce and save money.
Many organisations have reported improvements in productivity, retention of staff and a reduction in sickness absence after tackling work-related stress. As an employer, you are also required by law to assess the risk of stress-related ill health arising from work activities and take action to control that risk.
There are four main physiological reactions to stress:
* Blood is shunted to the brain and large muscle groups, and away from extremities, skin, and organs that are not currently serving the body.
* An area near the brain system, known as the reticular activating system, goes to work, causing a state of keen alertness as well as sharpening of hearing and vision.
*Energy-providing compounds of glucose and fatty acids are released into the bloodstream.
* The immune and digestive systems are temporarily shut down.
Although some of these reactions may help make work more productive, others cause symptoms which would certainly hinder work productivity. Stress-related problems include mood disturbance, psychological distress, sleep disturbance, upset stomach, headache, and problems in relationships with family, friends and work colleagues.
Managing Stress:
I can help manage stress by teaching techniques for relaxation and meditation either individually or with groups. I can also use motivation techniques to help with productivity and boost confidence for public speaking and other work related matters.
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