Stress in the Workplace Blog 3 (Rob Cooke TedTalk)

 

Summary 

Rob Cooke conducted a TedTalk that’s titled ‘The Cost of Workplace Stress-and How to Reduce it”. In this TedTalk, Cooke explained that the stress we incur from work can be related to productivity and wellness and the stress can cost the economy trillions of dollars and looks at it as stress is a consequence. Cooke then explained that the stress the gain from our workplace can impact the economy by reducing the productivity in our place of work and increasing our health care costs due to the illnesses we can get from ongoing stress. Stress levels can be from the amount of time we spend at work, which is a majority of our life and that it is very difficult to have a work-life balance. Cooke also stated that stress could also come from the innovation of new technologies in the workplace and that companies are so laser focused on shareholders return that they forget to care for the wellbeing of its employees.

Cooke stated that our overall care and wellbeing are commonly thrown to the backseat and that there are three fundamental pillars that can help take control of your stress levels and ways that can help you. The first pillar is the corporation. The corporations’ culture and communication style plays a pivotal role in our stress levels and the wellbeing of its employees in the workplace and that the corporation should invest in their wellbeing. In doing so, it will increase the productivity of their employees and it will ensure them that the corporation cares for its employees. He then explained that corporations should communicate openly and listen to what their employees have to say regarding what stresses them out and the benefits they need, then respond and act upon that. As Cooke said, “properly equipped employees will be more productive and less stressed”.

The second pillar would be the government. The way the government plays a role with workplace stress is that they should play the role of an enforcer and that enforcing certain rules and regulations could eventually help decrease the chances of stress. Cooke then explained that the ongoing levels of stress that individuals have could lead to major chronic diseases and mental illnesses which will cost the economy 47 trillion dollars by 2030.

And lastly, the third pillar is yourself. Being honest with yourself regarding your mental, physical and emotional wellbeing and how damaging it has caused yourself. Being honest about placing public opinions about self preservation, being honest about how we should define ourselves and that don’t let your work define who you are.  

Relate:

This TedTalk is relatable because it made me realize that stress levels at work do relate to productivity. When a certain task or if a certain incident occurs at work that results in stressful feelings, my productivity levels lessen because it makes me feel uncertain if I could accomplish the task that was given to me. Knowing this information made me realize that companies should always invest and stay on top of their employees regarding their mental health because not only would it damage their productivity levels at work but also their employees.

Author: "The Cost of Workplace Stress- and How to Reduce it" by Rob Cooke. 

The cost of workplace stress -- and how to reduce it | Rob Cooke - YouTube