Strategic Stress Intervention In The Academic Environment

Abstract

Adding activities to employee agendas without simultaneously decreasing other activities tends to increase stress.  Stress is an ever-present problem in the work environment.  The academic work environment is no different from that of industry, in that employees potentially face the draining and sometimes ravaging effects that stress can impose on the human condition.  A study was conducted to determine whether certain teaming activities and social events would reduce stress among the faculty in an academic department at a university in the south.  The desire to reduce stress among members of the department was a commendable goal.  However, despite the best of intentions, stress levels rose.