Managing Stress
Workplace stress
• Stress accounts for 5% of workers compensation claims
from Child Care industry
• Everyone needs to be aware of stress factors in
workplace and actively plan to manage with stress
Physiological responses to
stress
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Rise in blood pressure
Insomnia
Rise in heart rate
Stomach ulcers
Digestive disorders
Headaches
Fatigue
Emotional changes
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Tension-loose ability to relax
Anxiety
Depression
Addiction to drugs and alcohol
Post traumatic stress syndrome
Conflict - a more aggressive attitude
Stress in child care
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Children’s needs/ families needs
Low ratios of carers to children
Length of shifts and break times
Lack of preparation time
Unrealistic rosters and workloads
Communication problems- with other carers, parents &
management
• Inadequate policies, poorly planned practices &
procedures
• Lack of leave
Stress in child care
• Lack of professional development & recognition
• Low salaries
• Undervaluing the role of the carer - the importance, the
professional status
• High noise levels
• Badly designed environments and equipment
• Change to – routines, high turnover of staff, carers sick
10 commandments for reducing stress
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Thou shalt not be perfect or even try to be
Thou shalt not try to be all things to all people
Thou shalt not leave things that ought to be done
Thou shalt not spread thyself too thin
Thou shalt schedule time for thyself and for thy
supportive network
10 Commandments for Reducing
Stress
Thou shalt learn to say “NO”
Thou shalt switch off and do nothing regularly
Thou shalt be boring, untidy, inelegant and unattractive
at times
9 Thou shalt not feel guilty
10 Especially thou shalt not be thine own worst enemy but
be thine own best friend
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Source: Gore, A (1993) The Office Athlete, Life Style Press,
Sydney, Australia
How to manage stress symptoms
• Open communication between a worker and
management can solve many problems
• List the aspects of the situation that cause stress to you
• Try to change the aspects where possible or come to
terms with them if you cant change them
How to manage stress
symptoms
• Examine the way you regard the situation and realise
where you may be negative about aspects of the
situation
• Use a stress release technique-relaxation, talking
• Change your habits so you can plan your time, have a
balanced diet and make time to relax
Managing stress in the workplace
• Ensure staffing levels are adequate to meet needs of
children and perform the duties required
• Have clearly defined job descriptions
• Have clearly defined goals for service
• Ensure adequate training is received to perform the job
at a high level
Managing stress in workplace
• Ensure resources are available to perform duties and
tasks appropriately and without risk
• Ensure clear, open communication is maintained
• Be clear, on policies and OHS requirements
• Ensure supportive relationships amongst staff
• Maintain a healthy and balanced approach to life