Managing Stress for Success

Motivational Speaker Carole Spiers
monitors how the environment can adapt to the human form

'Ergonomics' is one of those words you hear so often that you don't consider its meaning. Technically, it is the science of how to adapt the environment to fit the human, instead of the other way round. You can see how well-applied ergonomics can reduce unnecessary work-pressures and relieve potential stressor-conditions.

Good posture-related ideas for example, like height-adjustable seating and waist-level power-sockets are well known for improving efficiency and averting time-saving alone, quite apart from averting repetitive-strain injury (RSI) and eye strain. But they also have a less-quantifiable effect on the whole workplace atmosphere, and the sprit in which the individual and the team may carry out their daily tasks. This can make a crucial difference to performance and profit. A comfortably seated operative will be more efficient than one who is not.

Small irritations building-up

Industrial accidents and lack of co-operation can often be traced back to sheer bad atmosphere, caused by conditions that are quite avoidable. It may be undue noise, incorrect temperature or poor lighting. Or any one or more of a dozen irritants that have never been properly addressed and that eventually build-up into resentment. It is in that atmosphere that the technician’s concentration may suddenly slip, causing the fatal explosion, or the provocative words are spoken that may launch a year-long strike.

Incorrect decisions can be caused by another environmental factor, 'information overload', where too much confusing or contradictory information is given and which then causes a misjudgment, perhaps disastrous, perhaps disastrous.

Finally, Ergonomics plays a large role in meeting the needs of the individual who lacks confidence but who could be made to feel like an integral part of a team, given an operating environment that assists him / her in their work instead of distracting them or making them feel uncomfortable. And that often small intervention, could earn you a loyal and committed team member.

Ergonomic solutions - summary

• It is the science of adapting the environment to fit the human
• It helps eliminate unnecessary stressors in our daily life
• It can transform the daily working lives of challenged individuals

Another key insight from Carole Spiers, International Leading Authority on Corporate Stress,
Motivational Speaker and BBC Broadcaster.