Managing Stress
Stress is a significant part of a modern professional's life. Stress is not merely emotional agitation or nervous tension; it is a universal physiological reaction to sufficiently strong stimuli that facilitates mobilization and increased readiness of the body. There are three stages of stress development: the alarm reaction, the resistance phase, and the exhaustion phase.
Why does stress play such a major role in the life of a modern worker? Primarily, this is due to fierce competition, labor intensity, and the rapid pace of change. The modern working conditions for engineering and technical personnel are accompanied by constant tension (due to regular training, certification, testing, large volumes of incoming information, assigned responsibility, etc.), which can ultimately lead to exhaustion and the development of various illnesses in the employee.
Employee performance and labor productivity are vital factors for a company's growth and development. Consequently, finding ways to mitigate the negative effects of a stressful workday and enhance employee efficiency during the work process has become increasingly relevant.
One of the most effective methods for combating daily stress and its consequences is psychological relief. According to data published in the journal "Atlantico" (2012), several companies in the USA and France (Google, the private investment fund Kodiak Capital, etc.) have established sleep and relaxation rooms. It has been found that short periods of rest during the workday help employees recover their strength and work much more efficiently afterward.
To set up a relaxation room, a space of a certain size is sufficient (depending on the number of employees). In terms of color and lighting, it can be divided into two zones: a "warm beige" zone with an electric fireplace and massage chairs, and a "cold blue" zone equipped with comfortable couches, an LCD TV, and an aquarium. The room should also be equipped with an audio system, spotlights, beam light sources, and a mirror ball, allowing for the creation of various favorable musical and lighting backgrounds.
Methods of psychological relief in the relaxation room:
- 30-minute sleep;
- Music therapy (quiet, calm music, classical, nature sounds);
- Breathing exercises;
- Watching relaxing films featuring natural phenomena (seascapes, flora, etc.);
- Relaxing massage in a massage chair.
Thus, time spent in the relaxation room during technical breaks, lunch breaks, or at the end of the workday will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the employee's well-being. Regular visits to such a room will prevent the progression of stress stages in the body.
An employee's balanced and focused state will positively influence labor productivity, reduce the risk of errors during the organization and execution of high-risk work, and ultimately contribute to the development of an HSE culture at the enterprise.