Stressed at work? You boss needs enlightening

By Rachel Sharples, University of Sydney

14 June 2007

The chances are your working environment today is a far more complex place than it was 20 years ago.

In a typical office or workplace, the hours will be long, a number of people will be stressed or have taken stress leave, the staff turnover is likely to be high, and workers will be asked to do far more with far less.

Michael Cavanagh, a lecturer in the School of Psychology's Coaching Unit, is leading a Sydney University team which has just received ARC linkage funding to develop leadership skills in high stress workplaces.

Dr Cavanagh believes the above scenario is typical of most workplaces. "There are a lot more uncertainties in today's world and this has contributed to increased employee mobility and high levels of stress in the workplace," he said.

Stress is just one symptom of the complexities involved. "Young professionals today realise they are responsible for their own career projections, and if they don't find what they are looking for in one workplace then they move on," he said.

According to Dr Cavanagh, Generations X and Y are far more assertive about their needs in the workplace than previous generations. They give priority to their continued employability and therefore demand experience and leadership which will enhance their CVs.

Continued...