Essay 009 (modern work patterns and stress)

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

More and more people claim that modern work patterns are a source of stress. What do you think are the causes of this? Can you suggest some possible solutions?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

Modern work patterns have definitely led to a stress filled work environment. This could be attributed to several professional and personal issues guiding quality and productivity in modern work places. Effective management practices to deal with such situations can play a significant role in reducing the severity of this problem considerably.

Firstly, capitalist free economies have encouraged increasing levels of competition in the market, which has led to a situation where companies compete with each other in order to establish the superiority of their products and services and increase profit. The major responsibility of achieving these goals would obviously be transferred to workers at various levels, who are forced to improve their skills at work. When people work in target oriented and quality conscious work places, it would naturally increase their levels or stress. 

Again, companies often need to deliver their services within a stipulated time frame with the required quality. To meet these deadlines, employees have to work for long hours and this can definitely lead to a stressful work environment. Strict supervisory policy of managerial staff is another prime reason for this situation. Software companies and travel agencies are ideal examples of such work practices.

Scientific human resource management policies can tackle this situation quiet effectively. I believe, the most obvious solution is to create relaxed environments at work, where employees can work effectively in a comfortable manner. For example, most software companies today provide gym facilities and other sports activities for employees, which they can use during their break times. A further step would be, to reduce the hours of work, so that it may not exceed the physical and psychological capacity of workers. Another possibility is to encourage workers to use their weekends and holidays more effectively by spending with their families or for picnics.

In conclusion, a certain level of stress is inevitable in today’s workplaces but effective human resources policies can reduce it considerably.

The words and phrases to study. 

This could be attributed to

considerably

increasing levels of competition

establish the superiority

responsibility of achieving these goals would obviously be transferred to

target oriented and quality conscious work place

within a stipulated time frame

can tackle this situation

the most obvious solution

A further step would be

it may not exceed the physical and psychological capacity of workers

Another possibility is

a certain level of stress is inevitable