PLEASE READ: Employee Stress, Business Impact, and Recommendations ✓ Solved

PLEASE READ: Employee Stress, Business Impact, and Recommendations

The purpose of this project is to familiarize students with the skills needed to distill a report down into an email to a CEO or similar senior organizational officer, and define action items.

1. The subject line of the email is to read: PLEASE READ: Employee Stress, Business Impact, and Recommendations.

2. Address the email to the professor.

3. Use Times New Roman Font if using MS Office email; Sans Serif if Gmail.

4. Use font size no smaller than 11 pt.

5. All written material must be viewed without scrolling (22 lines is standard email).

6. Attach a copy of the report to the email (allows executive to read in greater detail if warranted).

7. End the email with a request to meet to discuss your recommendations.

Paper For Above Instructions

Dear Professor Schrader,

I have attached the report of the study on the effects of negative employee stress on business productivity. This report outlines the significant impacts stress has on employees and how it can detrimentally affect overall business performance.

Negative stress manifests in various ways, including absenteeism, lower employee morale, poor decision-making skills, health-related issues, decreased courtesy and accuracy in work, diminished creativity, and poor organizational skills. Each of these areas is crucial for maintaining high productivity in the workplace. When employees face high levels of stress, their work performance suffers, which leads to an overall reduction in productivity for the company.

For instance, findings from recent studies indicate that stress management programs can significantly mitigate these adverse effects. One compelling example is the wellness program initiated by Morrison Company, which reportedly saves about $8 for every dollar invested due to the elimination of stress-related issues in the workplace. Such programs not only enhance employee morale but also contribute to a healthier work environment, leading to better performance outcomes.

Moreover, various stress management strategies have been identified as effective. These include providing comprehensive insurance coverage for employees, scheduling regular breaks to prevent burnout, offering training programs focused on stress management, and hosting wellness seminars to foster a supportive environment. These initiatives are not just beneficial in theory; they have been proven to save companies substantial amounts in reduced absenteeism and healthcare costs.

In light of these findings, I recommend the following action items for our organization:

  • Implement stress management programs for all employees.

  • Facilitate open communication between employees and management to identify suitable stress reduction initiatives.

  • Regularly evaluate existing programs to determine their effectiveness and adjust as needed.

Addressing employee stress is not merely a compassionate move; it is a strategic decision that can enhance productivity and overall company performance. In a rapidly changing work environment, maintaining employee well-being is crucial for success.

I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you at your convenience to discuss these recommendations further. Your insights would be invaluable in refining these strategies and ensuring they are implemented effectively.

Sincerely,

Shuyi Wu

References

  • Kabat-Zinn, J. (1990). Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness. Delta.

  • McLeod, S. (2020). Stress Management. Simply Psychology.

  • American Psychological Association. (2021). Stress in America: Stress and Decision-Making During the Pandemic.

  • Health Resource Network. (2020). Effects of Stress in the Workplace. Retrieved from https://www.healthresourcenetwork.org

  • National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. (2021). Stress at Work. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/stress/default.html

  • B Intranan, Y., & Hazar, J. (2019). Effective Stress Management Strategies in the Workplace. Journal of Applied Psychology, 104(2), 199–211.

  • American Institute of Stress. (2021). Workplace Stress. Retrieved from https://www.stress.org/workplace-stress

  • Hart, P. M., & Cooper, C. L. (2001). Overcoming a Culture of Stress in the Workplace. Occupational Health Psychology, 6(2), 125-140.

  • Sonnentag, S., & Fritz, C. (2015). Recovery from Job Stress: The Role of Sleep and Relaxation. The Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 20(3), 318–329.

  • Smith, A. P. (2011). The Effects of Stress on Productivity: A Focus on Employees. International Journal of Business and Management, 6(10), 1-12.