There is little question that stress is an integral part of most people's lives and the work place is fertile ground for stress to flourish. But if you are interested in your job, you can handle the stress according to Marcia Donehoe, editor for Health Communications, a major publisher of stress management books. "When you love what you're doing, stress can be a key motivational factor in helping you do the best job possible," Donohoe states. Conversely, when people feel forced to take a job in which they have little interest, stress can become a major factor in their performance down the line."

There is little question that stress is an integral part of most people's lives and the work place is fertile ground for stress to flourish. But if you are interested in your job, you can handle the stress according to Marcia Donehoe, editor for Health Communications, a major publisher of stress management books. "When you love what you're doing, stress can be a key motivational factor in helping you do the best job possible," Donohoe states. Conversely, when people feel forced to take a job in which they have little interest, stress can become a major factor in their performance down the line."

Stress starts with small signals: feelings of frustration, health problems, emotional outbursts, poor performance on the job, absenteeism, and a host of other visible signs that show up both on and off the job. "If you recognize stress taking over," Harvill states, "it may be time to take a long, hard look at your job. If gone untreated, stress can lead to a person hating their work, or even worse---burnout.

Stress in the workplace can cause a decrease in productivity, a rise in insurance claims and premiums, and increased absenteeism. That' s why managers should be pro-active in preventing stress and creating a pleasant work setting. Harvill offers the following advice to managers seeking reduced workplace stress:

• Encourage employees to think as a team--they must have a stake in the company's success.
• Keep employees informed and involved--they are participants not bystanders.
• Reduce competition between employees--they all have an important role to play.
• Don't take employees for granted--pay attention and maintain an "open door policy."
• Respect employees as individuals--cookie cutter remedies don't work on people.
• Set a good example--managers determine the status quo for handling stress.

There's no getting around it--stress is here to stay. If you are basically happy with your position, manage the inevitable stress as it appears. When work place stress becomes intolerable, however, you may need to re-evaluate your job or even your career. Harvill notes, "Life' s too short to remain a square peg in a round hole. Everyone, employees and employers alike, deserve a work environment in which they can thrive."