Stress, Health, and Wellbeing in Practice

Abstract

Conventional wisdom in the field of management emphasizes the reduction of stress in the workplace. Although the authors of this chapter recognize the demonstrated destructive nature of negative stress, they argue that the introduction of positive stress has the potential to improve the health and wellbeing for organizations and workers. Five positive pathways through which stress can contribute to building a healthy workplace are explored: strength of character, self‐awareness, power sharing, requisite self‐reliance, and a supportive organizational culture. Following a summary and integration of these five positive pathways, the authors offer essential practical suggestions related to stress interventions which promote healthy organizations and people. Finally, the chapter presents some promising findings from a review of the stress intervention literature.

A pathway to greater meaning in life and well-being for senior executives beset by anti-meaning

“…This finding confirms the impact of extensive demands on executives’ emotional and psychological wellness ( Quick et al, 2014 ), creating a platform for marital problems. Ostensibly, although interpersonal relationships can be a source of meaning, additional stress and frustration in executives’ marital relationships can become sources of anti-meaning.…”

“…Spirituality is about a sense of interconnectedness with the universe, being part of something that transcends the self ( Weeks and Schaffert, 2019 ), and a sense of purpose and meaning ( Quick et al, 2014 ; Van der Walt and De Klerk, 2015 ). Self-transcendence is an integral element of meaning and spiritual well-being ( Worth and Smith, 2021 ).…”

“…With a tendency of executives to measure high on work centrality and job involvement ( Judge et al, 1995 ), have low levels of self-awareness ( Quick et al, 2014 ) and to neglect their emotional well-being ( Sirén et al, 2018 ; Jones, 2019 ), the adverse workplace impacts on executives ( Table 2 ) are often exacerbated. Experiencing loneliness and isolation places them at risk of social disconnection and unhealthy and self-defeating behaviors ( Gavin et al, 2003 ; Quick et al, 2014 ).…”

“…These aspects reinforce the experience of loneliness, both at the workplace and at home. When loneliness is experienced both at work and at home, it decreases the ability to temper against workplace loneliness and can result in an array of additional negative outcomes ( Quick et al, 2014 ; Subhashini and Yadla, 2018 ).…”

Psychometric Properties and Validation of the Korean Version of Stress Mindset Measure

“…In contrast, several studies have demonstrated that some can experience benefits from stressful experiences (Schneiderman et al, 2005). Specifically, stress was linked to positive outcomes like personal initiative (Fay & Sonnentag, 2002) and health (Quick et al, 2014). Accordingly, a stress belief started to receive attention as a factor that changes the influences of stress.…”