Project Report On Stress Management Among Retail Industry Employees

Alliance School Of Management Page 1
1.CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
(1.1) INTRODUCTION TO HR

Human resources management is an art of managing people at work in such a manner that
they give their best of organization. In simple word human resources management refers to
the quantitative aspects of employees working in an organization.

Human resource management is also a management function concerned with hiring,
motivating, and maintains people in an organization. It focuses on people in organization.

Organizations are not mere bricks, motor, machineries or inventories. They are people. It is
the who staff and manage organizations. HRM involves the application of management
functions and principles. The functions and principles are applied to acquisitioning,
developing, maintained, and remunerating employees in organizations.

Decisions relating to employees must be integrated. Decision on different aspect of
employees must be consistent with other human resource decisions. Decisions made must
influence the effectiveness of organization. Effectiveness of organization must result in
betterment of services to customers in the form of high-quality product supplied at reasonable
costs.

HRM function s is not confined to business establishment only. There are applicable to non-
business organizations, too such as education, health care, recreation etc. the scope of HRM
is indeed vast. All major activities in the working life of his/her entry into an organization
until he/she leaves-come under the previews of HRM. Specifically, the activities included are
HR planning, job analysis and be sign, recruitment and selection, orientation and placement,
training and development, performance appraisal and job evaluation, employee and executive
remuneration, motivation and communication, welfare, safety and healthy, industrial relations
and the like. HRM is a broad concept personal management and human resource
development is a part of HRM. Before we define Human resource management, its seems
good to first define heterogeneous in the sense that they differ in personality, perception,
emotions, values, attitudes, motives, and modes of thoughts.

Human resource management places an important role in the development process of modern
economy. In fact it is said that all the development comes from the human mind.
Human resource management is a process of producing development, maintain and
controlling human resources for effective achievement of organizational goals.

(1.2) Concept of Stress

(1.2.1) Introduction of Stress

A lot of research has been conducted into stress over the last 100 years. Some of the theories
behind it now settled and accepted; others are still being research and debated. During this
time, there seems to have been something approaching open warfare between competing
theories and definitions: Views have been passionately held and aggressively defined.
What complicates this is that intuitively we all feel that we know that stress is, has it is
something we have all experienced. A definition should therefore be obviousexcept that it
is not.

Definition:

Hans Selye was one of the founding fathers of stress research. His view in 1956 was that
Stress is not necessarily something bad- it all depends on how you take it. The stress of
exhilarating, creative successful work is beneficial, while that of failure, humiliation or
infection is detrimental. Selye believed that the biochemical effects of stress would be
experienced irrespective whether the situation was positive or negative.
Since then, a great deal of further research has been conducted, and ideas as moved on. Stress
is not viewed as bad thing, with a range of harmful biochemical and long-term effects.
This effect have rarely been observed in positive situations

The commonly accepted definition of stress (Mainly attributed to Richard S Lazarus) is that
stress is a condition or feeling experienced when a person perceives that Demands
exceed the personal and social resources the individual able to mobilize. In short, its
what we feel when we think we have lost control of events
This is the main definition used by the section of Mind Tools, although we also recognize
that there is intertwined instinctive stress response to unexpected events. The stress response
inside us is therefore part instinct and part to do with the way we think.
The types of stress are as follows:

Mechanical
Stress (Physics), the average amount of force exerted by per unit area.
Yield stress, the stress at which a material begins to deform plastically.
Compressive stress, the stress applied to materials resulting in their compaction
Biological
Stress (biological), physiological or psychological stress; some type includes:
o Chronic stress, persistent stress which can lead to illness and mental
disorder
o Eustress, positive stress that can lead to improved long-term functioning.
o Work place stress, stress caused by the employment.
Music
Accent (music).
Stress (band), an early 80s melodic rock band from San Diego.
Stress (punk band), an early 80s punk rock band from Athens.
Stress (Neo-psychedelic band), from the late 1980s.
Stress, a song by the French band Justice on their debut album.
Other
Stress (game), card game.

Stress (linguistics), phonological use of prominence in language.

Stress (physics), the average amount force exerted per unit area.
Stress the measure of the average amount of force exerted per unit area. It is a measure of
the intensity of the total internal forces acting within a body across imaginary internal
surfaces, as a reaction to external applied forces and body forces.it was introduced in the
theory of elasticity by Cauchy around 1882. Stress is concept that is based on the concept
of continuum. In general stress is expressed as

Where
is the average stress, also called as engineering of nominal stress, and is
the force acting over the area .
Chronic stress
Chronic stress is stress that lasts a long time and occurs frequently. Chronic stress is
potentially damaging.
Symptoms of chronic stress can be:
Upset stomach
Headache
Backache
Insomnia
Anxiety
Depression
Anger


In the most severe cases it can lead to panic attacks or panic disorder.
There are a variety of methods to control chronic stress, including exercise, healthy diet,
stress management, relaxation techniques, and adequate rest and relaxing hobbies.
Ensuring a healthy diet containing magnesium may help control or eliminate stress, in those
individuals with lower levels of magnesium or those who have a magnesium deficiency.
Chronic stress can also lead to a magnesium deficiency, which can be a factor in continued
chronic stress, and a whole host of other negative medical conditions caused by magnesium
deficiency.
It has been discovered that there is huge upsurge in the number of people who suffer from
this condition. A very large number of these new cases suffer from insomnia.
In a review of the scientific literature on the relationship between the stress and disease, the
authors found that stress plays a role in triggering or worsening depression and
cardiovascular disease and in spreading the progression of HIV/AIDS.
Compressive stress:
Compressive stress is the stress applied to materials resulting in their
compaction (decrease of volume). When a material is subjected to compressive stress , then
the material is under compression. Usually compressive stress applied to bars, columns, etc.
leads to shortening.
Loading a structural element or a specimen will increase the compressive stress
until the reach of compressive strength. According to the properties of the material, failure
will occur as field for materials with ductile behavior (most metals, some soils, and plastics)
or as rupture for brittle behavior (geometries, cast iron, glass, etc.)
In long, slender structural elements such as columns or truss bars -- as increase of
compressive force F leads to structural failure due to bucking at the lower stress than the
compressive strength.


Compressive stress has stress units (force per unit area), usually with negative
values to indicate the compaction. However in geotechnical engineering, compressive stress
is represented in positive values.
(1.2.2) Stress in Biological terms :
Stress is a biological term which refers to consequence of the failure of human or animal
body to respond approximately to emotional or physical threats to the organism, whether
actual or imagined. It includes a state of alarm and adrenaline production, short-term
resistance as a coping mechanism, and exhaustion. It refers to the inability of a human or
animal body to respond. Common stress symptoms include irritability, muscular tension,
inability to concentrate and a variety of physical reactions, such as headaches and
accelerated heart rate.
The term stress was first used by endocrinologist Hans Selye in 1930s to identify
physiological responses in laboratory animals. He later broadened and popularized the
concept to include the perceptions and responses of humans trying to adapt to the challenges
of everyday life. In Selyes terminology, stress refers to the reaction of the organism, and
stressor to the perceived threat. Stress in certain circumstances may be experienced
positively. Eustress, for example, can be an adaptive response prompting the activation of
internal resources to meet challenges and achieve goals.

The term is commonly used by the lay persons in a metaphorical rather than literal or
biological sense, as a catch-all for any perceived difficulties in life. It also become a
euphemism, a way of referring to problems and eliciting sympathy without being explicitly
confessional, just stressed out. It covers a huge range of phenomena from mild irritation to
the kind of severe problems that might result in a real breakdown of health. In popular usage
almost any event or situation between these extremes could be described as stressful.


(1.2.3) What is Stress ?
Stress refers to the strain form the conflict between our external environment and us, leading
to emotional and physical pressure. In our past face world it is impossible to live without
stress, whether you are a student or a working adult. There is both positive and negative stress
depending, on each individuals unique perception of the tension between the two forces. Not
all stress is bad. For example, positive stress, also known as eustress, can help an individual
to function at optimal efficiency and effectiveness.
Hence, it is evident that some form of positive stress can add more color and vibrancy to our
lives. The presence of a deadline, for example, can push us to make the most of our time and
produce greater efficiency. It is important to keep this in mind, as stress management refers to
using stress to our advantage, and not on eradicating the presence of stress in our lives.
On the other hand, negative stress can result in mental and physical strain. The individual will
experience symptoms such as tensions, headaches, irritability and in extreme cases, heart
palpitations. Hence, whilst some stress may see as a motivating force, it is important to
maintain stress level so that it does it does not have an adverse impact on your health and
relationships.
Part of managing your stress levels include learning about how stress can affect you
emotionally and physically , as well as how to identify if you are performing at your optimal
stress level (OSL) or if you are experiencing negative stress. This knowledge will help you to
identify when you need to take a break, or perhaps seek professional help. It is also your first
step towards developing techniques to managing your stress levels.
Modern day stresses can take a form of the monetary needs, or emotional frictions.
Competition at work and an increased workload can also cause greater levels of stress. How
do you identify if you are suffering from excessive stress? Psychological symptoms
commonly experienced include insomnia, headaches and an inability to focus. Physical

symptoms take the form of heart palpitations, breathlessness, excessive sweating and stomach
aches.

What causes stress? There are many different causes of stress, and that which causes stress is
also known as a stressor. Common lifestyle stressors include performance, threat and
bereavement stressors, to name few. Performance stressors are triggered when an individual
is placed in a situation where he feels a need to excel. This could be during performance
appraisals, lunch with bosses, or giving a speech. Threat stressors are usually when the
current situation poses a dangerous threat, such as an economic downturn, or from an
accident. Lastly, bereavement stressors occur when there is a sense of loss as the death of
loved one, or a prized possession.
Thus, there are various stressors, and even more varied methods and techniques of dealing
with stress and turning it to our advantage. In order to do so, we must learn to tell when we
have crossed the line from positive to negative stress.
Good Stress v/s Bad Stress:
Stress has often understood to be negative, with few people acknowledging the importance
and usefulness of the positive stress. In our everyday lives, stress is everywhere and definitely
unavoidable; hence our emphasis should be on differentiating between what is good stress,
and what is bad. This will help us to learn to cope with negative stress, and harshness the
power of positive stress to help us achieve more.
There are 4 main categories of stress, namely eustress, distress, hyper stress, and hypo stress.
Negative stress can cause many physical and physiological problems, whilst positive stress
can be very helpful for us. Heres how we differentiate them.
Eustress:
Eustress is a positive form of stress, which prepares your mind and body for the
imminent challenges that it has perceived. Eustress is a natural physical reaction by your

body which increases blood flow to your muscles, resulting in a higher heart rate. Athletes
before a competition or perhaps a manager before a major presentation would do well with
eustress, allowing them to derive the inspiration and strength that is needed.

Distress:
We are familiar with this word, and know that it is a negative form of stress. This
occurs when the mind and body is unable to cope with changes, and usually occurs when
there are deviations from the norm. They can be categorized into acute stress and chronic
stress. Acute stress is intense, but does not last for long. On the other hand chronic stress
persists over a long period of time. Trigger events for distress can be change in job scope or
routine that the person is unable to handle or cope with.

Hyper stress:
This is another form of negative stress that occurs when the individual is unable to
cope with the workload. Example includes highly stressful jobs, which requires longer
working hours than the individual can handle. If you suspect that you are suffering from
hyper stress, you are likely to have sudden emotional breakdowns over insignificant issues,
the proverbial straws that broke the camels back. It is important for you to recognize that
your body needs a break, or you may end up with severe and chronic physical and
psychological reactions.
Hypo stress:
Lastly, hypo stress occurs when a person has nothing to do with his time and feels
constantly bored and unmotivated. This is due to an insufficient amount of stress; hence some
stress is inevitable and helpful to us. Companies should avoid having workers who
experience hypo stress as this will cause productivity and mindfulness to fall. If the job scope
is boring and repetitive, it would be a good idea to implement some form of job rotation so
that there is always something new to learn.


The types of stress are named as eustress and distress. Distress is the most commonly-
referred to type of stress, having negative implications, whereas eustress is a positive form of
stress, usually related to desirable events in persons life. Both can be equally taxing on the
body, and are cumulative in nature, depending on a persons way of adapting to a change that
has caused it.

(1.2.4) Coping with stress at workplace:

With the rapid advancement of the technology, the stresses faced at the work have also
increased. Many people dread going to the work, hence the term Monday Blues. What is
the reason for this? There is partly the fear from being retrenched in bad times, leading to
greater job insecurity on the part of those who remain. Undoubtedly, occupational stress is
one of the most commonly cited stressors faced by people all over the world.
Stress refers to the pressure and reactions to our environment which results in physical and
psychological reactions. Whilst some stress is good for motivation and increasing efficiency,
too much stress can result in negative impacts such as reduced effectiveness and efficiency.
More and more people are feeling isolated and disrespected at work, and this has led to
greater occupational stress. Many companies have taken to consulting experts and
professional on ways to increase connectedness and motivation of their employees.
Some companies organize parties and make their employees feel valued at work. These are
measure to motivate employees and help them to feel secure at their jobs, translating in to
greater productivity. However, not all companies have such measure in place, and some have
not gotten it quite rite. Hence it is up to you to make sure that you can cope with stress at
your workplaces, and use it to help you better. Here are 3 simple steps to help you with
coping with stress in the workplace.


Step 1: Raising awareness
Help yourself to identify when youre facing raising levels of stress, tipping the scales
from positive to negative. This is important, has been able to identify signs of being stressed
can help you to take steps to ensure that your overall quality of life does not drop. If left
unacknowledged, the problem will only snowball, leading to disastrous consequences to your
health and overall wellbeing.
You can identify if you are feeling stressed by checking if you have any physical or
psychological reasons, such as excessive sweating or health palpitations, or the onset of
headaches, irritability, or the need to escape. If you experience any of these reasons, identify
if you are feeling any over whelming negative emotions, and if you are constantly worried.
Step 2: Identify the cause
You need to able to analyze the situation and identify what is causing the raise in stress.
These stressors can be external and internal. External source refer to things behind your
control, such as the environment or your colleagues at work. Internal stressors refer to your
own thinking and attitude. Often, we only start reacting to stress in a combination of stressors
working together exceeds over ability to cope.
Keep a diary or list of events that have caused you to feel strong negative emotions, or that
are likely stressors. This will help you to identify the causes of your stress. Whilst it is not
always possible to eradicate them, you can change the way that we cope with it.
Step 3: Coping with stress
In order to deal with the situation that is causing your stress, you need to calm your mind and
body so as to stave of the reactions and cope with it in a positive way. This can be thought
different methods, such as talking time off. If a situation is triggering your stress and you are
unable to calm down, remove yourself from it. Go outside and take a walk to calm down.

Alternatively, you can try implementing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing. If it is
an internal stressor, stop your thoughts process until you are able to deal with it logically.

The key is making this 3 steps work for you is to practice them. This is not instantaneous
solutions, and you need to condition your mind and practice them so that you can implement
it when you are feeling stressed.
(1.2.5) Stress Management:

Stress management is the need of the hour. However hard we try to go beyond a stress
situation, life seems to find new ways of stressing us out and plugging us with anxiety
attacks. Moreover, be it our anxiety, mind-body execution or our erring attitudes, we tend to
over lock cause of stress and conditions triggering by those. In search unsettling moments we
often forgot the stressors, if not escapable, or fairly manageable and treatable.

Stress, either quick or constant, can induce risky body-mind disorders. Immediate disorders
such as dizzy spells, anxiety attacks, tensions, sleeplessness, nervousness and muscle cramps
can all result in chronic health problems. They may also affect our immune, cardiovascular
and nervous system and lead individuals habitual addictions, which are inter-linked with
stress.

Like stress reactions, relaxation responses and stress management techniques are some
the bodys important built-in response system. As a relation response the body tries to get
back balance in its homeostasis. Some hormones released during the fight of flight situation
prompt the body to replace the lost carbohydrates and fats, and restore the energy level. The
knotted nerves, tightened muscles and exhausted mind crave for looseness. Unfortunately,
today, we dont get relaxing and soothing situations without asking. To be relaxed we have to
strive to create such situations


Recognizing a Stressor:
It is important to recognize whether you are under stress or out of it. Many times, even if we
are under the influence of a stressful condition and our body reacts to it internally as well as
externally, we fail to realize that we are reacting under stress. This also happens when the
cause of stress are there long enough for us to get habituated to them. The body constantly
tries to tell us through symptoms such as rapid palpitation, dizzy spell, tight muscles or
various bodies aches that something is wrong. It is important to remain attentive to such
symptoms and to learn to cope with the situations.

We cope better with stressful situation, when we encounter them voluntarily. In cases of
relocation, promotion or layoff, adventurous sports or having a baby, we tend to respond
positively under stress. But, when we are compelled into such situations against our will or
knowledge, more often than not, we wilt at the face of unknown and imagined threats. For
instance, stress may mount when one is coerced into undertaking some work against ones
will.

Laughter:

Adopting a humorous view towards lifes situations can take the edge off everyday stressors.
Not being too serious or in a constant alert mode helps maintain the equanimity of mind and
promote clear thinking. Being able to laugh stress away is the smartest way to ward off its
effects.

A sense of humor also allows us to perceive and appreciate the incongruities of life and
provides moments of delight. The emotions we experience directly affect our immune
system. The positive emotions can create neurochemical changes that buffer the
immunosuppressive effects of stress.

During stress, the adrenal gland releases corticosteroids, which are converted to cortical in
the blood stream. These have an immunosuppressive effect. Dr. Lee Berk and fellow

researcher Dr. Stanley Tan at Loma Linda University school of Medicine have produced
carefully controlled studies showing the experience of laughter lowers serum cortical levels,
increases the amount and activity of T lymphocytes the natural killer cells. Laughter also
increases the number of T cells that have suppresser receptors.

What Laughter Can Do Against Stress and Its Effects?

Laughter lowers blood pressure and reduces hypertension.

It provides good cardiac conditioning specially for those who are unable to perform
physical exercise.

Reduces stress hormones (studies shows, laughter induces reduction of at least four of
neuroendocrine hormones-epinephrine, cortical, dopac, and growth hormone,
associated with stress response).

Laughter cleanses lungs and body tissues of accumulated stale air as it empties more
air than it take in. It is beneficial for patients suffering from emphysema and other
respiratory ailments.

It increases muscle flexion, relaxation and fluent blood circulation in body.
Boosts immune function by raising levels of infection-fighting T-cells, disease
fighting proteins called Gamma-interferon and disease-destroying antibodies called B-
cells
Laughter triggers the release of endorphins-bodys natural painkillers.
Produces a general sense of well-being.
(1.2.6) Workplace Stress

Workplace stress is the harmful physical and emotional response that occurs when there is a
poor match between job demands and the capabilities, resources, or needs of the worker.
Stress-related disorders encompasses a broad array of conditions, including psychological
disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety, post -traumatic stress disorder) and other types of
emotional strain (e.g., dissatisfaction, fatigue. tension, etc.), maladaptive behaviors (e.g.,

aggression , substance abuse), and cognitive impairment (e.g., concentration and memory
problems). In turn, these conditions lead to poor work performance or even injury. Job stress
is also associated with various biological reactions that may lead ultimately to compromised
health, such as cardiovascular disease.
Stress is a prevalent and costly problem in todays workplace. About one-third of workers
report high levels of stress. One-quarter of employees view their jobs as the number one
stressor in their lives. Three-quarter of employees believe the worker has more on-the-job
stress than the generation ago. Evidence also suggests stress is the major cause of turnover in
organizations.
Health and Healthcare utilization
Problems at work are more strongly associated with health complaints than are any other life
stressor-more so than even financial problems or family problems. Many studies suggest that
psychologically demanding jobs that allow employees little control over the work process
increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. On the basis of research by the National Institute
for Occupational Safety and Health and many other organizations, it is widely believed that
job stress increases the risk for development of back and upper-extremity musculoskeletal
disorders. High levels of stress are associated with substantial increase in health service
utilization. Workers who report experiencing stress at work also show excessive health care
utilization. In a 1998 study of 46,000 workers, health care costs were nearly 50% greater for
workers reporting high levels of stress in comparison to low risk workers. The increment
rose to nearly 150%, an increase of more than $1,700 per person annually, for workers
reporting high levels of both stress and depression. Additionally, periods of disability due to
job stress tend to be much longer than disability periods for other occupational injuries and
illness.
Causes of Work place Stress
Job stress results from the interaction of the worker and the conditions of work. Views differ
on the importance of the worker characteristics versus working conditions as the primary
cause of job stress. The differing viewpoints suggested different ways to prevent stress at
work. According to one school of thought, difference in individual characteristics such as
personality and coping skills are most important in predicting whether certain job conditions
will result in stress-in other words, what is stressful for one person may not be a problem for
someone else. This view point leads to prevention strategies that focus on workers and ways
to help them cope with demanding job conditions. Although the importance of individual
difference cannot be ignored, scientific evidence suggests that certain work conditions are

stressful to most people. Such evidence argues for a greater emphasis on work conditions are
the key source of job stress, and for job redesign as a primary prevention strategy. Personal
interview surveys of working conditions, including conditions recognized as risk factor for
job stress, were conditions in Member State of European Union in 1990, 1995, and 2000.
Results showed a trend across this period suggestive of increasing work intensity. In 1990,
the percentage of workers reporting that they worked at high speed at least 1/4
th
of their
working time was 48%, increasing to 54% in 1995 and to 56% in 2000. Similarly, 50% of
workers reported they work against tight deadlines at least 1/4
th
of their working time in
1990, increasing to 56% in 1995 and 60% in 2000. However, no change was noted in the
period 1995-2000(Data not collected in 1990) in the percentage of workers reporting
sufficient time to complete tasks. A substantial percentage of Americans work very long
hours. By one estimate, more than 26% of men and more than 11% of women worked 50
hours per week or more in 2000. These figures represent a considerable increase over the
previous three decades, especially for women. According to Department of Labor, there has
been an upward trend in hours worked among employed women, an increasing in extended
work weeks (>40 hours) by men, and a considerable increase in combined working hours
among working couples, particularly couples with young children.
Signs of Workplace Stress
Mood and sleep disturbances, upset stomach and headache, and disturbed relationships with
family; friends and girlfriends or boyfriends are examples of stress-related problems. The
effects of job stress and chronic diseases are more difficult to see because chronic diseases
take a long time to develop and can be influenced by many factors other than stress.
Nonetheless, evidence is rapidly accumulated to suggest that stress plays an important role in
several types of chronic health problems-especially cardiovascular diseases, musculoskeletal
disorders, and psychological disorders.
Prevention
A combination of organizational change and stress management is often the most useful
approach for preventing stress at work.
How to change the organization to prevent job stress
Ensure that the work load is in line with workers capabilities and resources.

Design jobs to prevent meaning, stimulation and opportunities for workers to use
their skills.
Clearly define workers roles and responsibilities.
Give workers opportunities in decisions and actions affecting their jobs.
Improve communications-reduce uncertainty about career development and future
employment prospects.
Provide opportunities for social interaction among workers.
Establish work schedules that are compatible with demands and responsibilities
outside the job.
Discrimination inside the workplace.(e.g. Nationality and Language)
St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company conducted several studies on the effects of
stress prevention programs in hospital settings. Program activities included (1) employee and
management education on job stress, (2) change in hospital policies and producers to
organization source of stress, and (3) establishment of employee assistance programs. In one
study, the frequency of meditation errors declined by 50% after prevention activities was
implemented in a 700-bed hospital. In a second study, there was a 70% reduction in
malpractice claims in 22 hospitals that implemented stress prevention activities. In contrast,
there was no reduction in clients in a matched group 22 hospitals that did not implement
stress prevention activities.
(1.2.7) Reduce Your Stress

1. Job analysis:- We have all experienced that appealing sense of having too much work to
do and too little time to do it in. we can choose to ignore this, and work unreasonable long
hours to stay on top of our workload. The risks here are that we become exhausted, that we
have so much to do that we do a poor quality job and that we neglect other areas of our life.
Each of this can lead to intense stress.
The alternative is to work more intelligently, by focusing on the things that are important for
job success and reducing the time we spend on low priority tasks. Job analysis is the first step
in doing this.

The first of action-oriented skills that we look at is job analysis. Job analysis is a key
technique for managing job overload- an importance source of stress.

To do an excellent job, you need to fully understand what is expected of you. While this may
seem obvious, in the hurly-burly of a new, first-moving, high-pressure role, it is often times
something that is easy to overlook.
By understanding these priorities in your job, what constitutes success within it; you can
focus on these activities and minimize work on other tasks as much as possible. This helps
you get the greatest return form the work you do and keep your workload under control.
Job analysis is a useful technique for getting a firm grip on what really is important in your
job so that you are able to perform excellently. It helps you to cut through clutter and
distraction to get to the art of what you need to do.

2. Rational & Positive thinking:-

Your thinking negatively when you fear the future, put yourself down, criticizes yourself for
errors, doubt your abilities, or expect failure. Negative thinking damages confidence, harms
performance and paralyzes mental skills.
Unfortunately, negative thoughts tend to flit into our consciousness, do their damage and flit
back again, with their significance having barely been noticed. Since we barely realize that
they were there, we do not challenge them properly, which means that they can be completely
incorrect and wrong.
Thought Awareness is the process by which you observe your thoughts and become aware of
what is going through your head.
One approach to it is to observe your stream of consciousness as you think about the thing
youre trying to achieve which is stressful. Do not suppress any thoughts. Instead, just let
them run their course while you watch them, and write them down on our free worksheet as
they occur. Then let them go.

Another more general approach to Thought Awareness comes with logging stress in your
Stress Dairy. When you analyze your dairy at the end of the period, you should be able to see
the most common and the most damaging thoughts. Tackle these as a priority using the
techniques below.
Here are some typical negative thoughts you might experience when preparing to give a
major presentation:


Fear about the quality of your performance or of problems that may interfere with it;
Worry about how the audience (especially important people like in it like your boss)
or the press may react to you
Dwelling on the negative consequences of a poor performance; or
Self-criticism over a less-than-perfect rehearsal.
Thought awareness is the first step in the process of managing negative thoughts, as you
cannot manage thoughts that you are aware of.

Rational thinking
The next step in dealing with negative thinking is to challenge the negative thoughts that you
identified using the Thought Awareness technique. Look at every thought you wrote down
and challenge it rationally. Ask yourself whether the thought is reasonable. What evidence is
there for and against the thought? Would your colleagues and mentors agree or disagree with
it?
Looking at the examples, the following challenges could be made to the negative thoughts we
identified earlier:

Feeling of inadequacy: Have you trained yourself as well as you reasonably should have?
Do you have the experience and resources you need to make the presentation? Have you
planned, prepared and rehearsed enough? If you have done all of these, youve done as much
as you can to give a good performance.

Worries about performance during rehearsal: If some your practice was less than perfect,
then remind yourself that the purpose of the practice is to identify areas of improvement, so
that these can be sorted out before the performance.

Problems with issues outside your control: Have you identified the risks of these things
happening, and have you taken steps to reduce the likelihood of them happening or their
impact if they do? What will you do if they occur? And what do you need others to do for
you?

Worry about other peoples reactions: If you have prepared well, and you do the best you
can, then you should be satisfied. If you perform as well as you reasonably can, then fair
people are likely to respond well. If people are not fair, the best thing to do is ignore their
comments and rise above them.

Tip:
Dont make the mistake of generalizing a single accident. OK, you made a mistake at work,
but that doesnt mean youve bad at your job

Similarly, make sure you take the long view about the accidents that youre finding stressful.
Just because youre finding these new responsibilities stressful now, doesnt mean that they
will ALWAYS be so for you in the future.

Tip:
If you find it difficult to look at your negative thoughts objectively, imagine that you are your
best friend or a respected coach or mentor. Look at the list of negative thoughts and imagine
the negative thoughts are written by someone you were giving objective advice to. Then,
think how you would challenge these thoughts.

When you challenge negative thoughts rationally, you should be able to see quickly whether
the thoughts are wrong or whether they have some substance to them. Where there is some
substance, take appropriate action. However, make sure that your negative thoughts are
genuinely important to achieving your goals, and dont just reflect a lack of experience,
which everyone has to go through at some stage.

Positive thinking and opportunity seeking
By now, you should already be feeling more positive. The final step is to prepare rational,
positive thoughts and affirmations to counter any remaining negativity. It can also be useful
to look at the situation and see if there are any useful opportunities that are offered by it.

By basing your affirmations on the clear, rational assessments of facts that you made using
Rational Thinking, you can use them to undo the damages that negative thinking may have
done to your self-confidence.

Tip:
Your affirmations will be strongest if they are specific, are expressed in the present tense and
have strong emotional content.

Continuing the examples above, positive affirmations might be:

Problems during practice: I have learned from my rehearsals. This has put me in a
position where I can deliver a great performance. I am going to perform well and
enjoy the event.

Worries about performance: I have prepared well and rehearsed thoroughly. I am
well positioned to give an excellent performance.

Problems issues outside your control: I have thought through everything that
might reasonably happen and have planned how I can handle all likely contingencies.
I am very well placed to react flexibly to events.

Worry about other peoples reaction: Fair people will react well to a good
performance. I wish rise above any unfair criticism in a mature and professional
way.

If appropriate, write these affirmations down on your worksheet so that you can use them
when you need them.
As well as allowing you to structure useful affirmations, part of Positive Thinking is to look
at opportunities that the situation might offer you. In the examples above, successfully
overcoming the situations causing the original negative thinking will open up opportunities.
you will acquire new skills, you will be seen as someone who can handle difficult challenges,
and you may open up new career opportunities.

(2). Industry Profile:

Retail industry can be classified into two broad categories organized retail and unorganized
retail.

Organized retail - Those traders/retailers who are licensed for trading activities and
registered to pay taxes to the government
Unorganized retail It consists of unauthorized small shops - conventional Kirana shops,
general stores, corner shops among various other small retail outlets - but remain to be the
radiating force of Indian retail industry.

Overview
Retail industry, being the fifth largest in the world, is one of the sunrise sectors with huge
growth potential and accounts for 14-15% of the countrys GDP. Comprising of organized
and unorganized sectors, Indian retail industry is one of the fastest growing industries in
India, especially over the last few years.

According to the Global Retail Development Index 2012, India ranks fifth among the top 30
emerging markets for retail. The recent announcement by the Indian government with
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in retail, especially allowing 100% FDI in single brands and
multi-brand FDI has created positive sentiments in the retail sector.

Emerging Areas

Some sectors that occupy a prominent position with the retail industry are:

Apparel and fashion Everybody understands the impact of fashion and textiles on the
environment. Almost $19.5 billion were spent on online apparel shopping in the year 2009
and increasing since then.


Fashion & Lifestyle - In India the vast middle class and its almost untapped retail industry
are the key attractive forces for global retail giants wanting to enter into newer markets,
which in turn will help the retail to grow faster.

Food & Beverage retail - Backed by huge potential and changing lifestyles, the food and
beverage retail market is growing at a robust 30-35 per cent per year.

Pharmaceutical Retail Driven by therapies like anti-diabetic, vitamin, anti-infective and
dermatology, it accounted for a robust 15% growth in 2011.

E-commerce or E-tailing the next big revolution - With the advent of e-commerce in the
retail industry, retail stores are facing stiff competition from e-stores. The rising demand for
e-shopping has lead to a new debate cropping up in the world.

Factors driving growth are:

Emergence of nuclear families
Falling real estate prices
Growing trend of double-income households
Increase in disposable income and customer aspiration
Increase in expenditure for luxury items
Large working population
Low share of organized retailing
Growing liberalization of the FDI policy in the past decade

Skill sets required are:

The industry employs a staggering number of people, and given its rapid proliferation, this
number is always on the rise. The backbone of the sector are the operations and supply chain

management jobs but there are various other options as well, from sales executives and store
managers to merchandise planners and buyers.

Conceptual understanding
Analytical skills
Detail-orientation
Fair understanding of customers psychology
Observations skills
Project Management
Operational Skills
In-depth product knowledge

Bottlenecks

A long way to meet international standards
Lack of efficient supply-chain management
Lack of required retail space
No fixed consumption pattern
Shortage of trained manpower
Lack of proper infrastructure and distribution channels


(3). Company Profile:-

A Multi product, Multi locational industrial group with interest in packing & Textile sectors
Scapes Textiles was established in 2005 to manufacture woven sacks to service the
fertilizers, cement, sugar and food grain industries. We have become a leading manufacturer
of woven sacks from Andhra Pradesh and have established our name for quality and timely
supplies with all leading fertilizers and cement industries throughout India.

Having established our name in packing sector we have diversified into textiles segment, with
an installed capacity of 5 million metres per annum, in the 1st phase. At our state-of-the-art-
plant, we have installed the latest warping and sizing machinery from beginner of
Switzerland. This enables flawless weaving on world class sulzer projectiles, with electronic
let off and electronic dobby.

A combination of the latest weaving infrastructure, technical know-how from reputed world
companies and systematic procedures, enables smooth material flow from raw material to
dispatch of the finished fabric. Some unique features that works to our advantages are:
World class utilities like captive power, Air Steam & Humidity controls.

48 wide width sulzer P-7100 projectiles of width (330 cm; 360 cm; 390cm), in
weaving.

Benninzer warping with creel capacity 720 ends and Benninzer sizing with sizing
machine head to make single beam of 340CM in weaving preparatory; and

Facility to make Roll & roll to bale inspection.


Customization
We have clients from different cities and understanding the fact that their needs and
preferences might differ, we offer customized solutions on our range of products. Our team
works in close coordination with the clients to comprehend their requirements and then
accordingly convey the same to our manufacturers so that they can manufacture the range as
desired. We offer customization on textiles on the parameters of designs, prints, patterns and
color, while customization on solar panels is given on the basis of size, shape, structural
design and make depending on the area of application.

Why Us?
Some of the reasons that provide us an edge over other competitors in the market are as
follows:
Timely delivery
Minimum lead time of 45 days
Reasonable prices
Extensive range of quality products
Sophisticated in-house testing labs


4. Research Methodology

(4.1) Research Objective:

Stress is a dynamic condition in which an individual is confronted with an opportunity,
demand or resource related to what the individual desires and for which the outcome is
perceived to be both uncertain and important. This is a complicated definition.

Stress is not necessarily bad in and of itself. Although stress is typically discussed in a
negative context, it also has a positive value. Its an opportunity when it offers potential gain.
Consider for example, the superior performance that an athlete or stage performer gives in
clutch situations. Such individuals often use stress positively to rise to the occasion and
perform or near their maximum. Similarly, many professionals see the pressure of heavy
workloads and deadlines as positive challenges that enhance the quality of their work and the
satisfaction the get from their job.

But it is different in case of Retail Industry employees. The retail industry employees are the
people who also have to achieve the certain target and so for the non-achievement of target
the employees remain stressed and tensed. The employees who have the simple table work
also facing the problem of employee cut-offs and so the workload of the existing employees
increases and the feel stressed.

The types of stress are named as eustress and distress. Distress is the most commonly-
referred to type of stress, having negative implications, whereas eustress is a positive form of
stress, usually related to desirable events in persons life. Both can be equally taking on the
body, and are cumulative in nature, depending on a persons way of adapting to a change that
has caused it. Stress management is the need of the hour. However hard we try to go beyond
a stress situation, life seems to find new ways of stressing us out and playing us with anxiety
attacks. Moreover, be it our anxiety, mind-body exhaustion or our erring attitudes, we tend to
overlook causes of stress and the conditions triggered by those. In such unsettling moments
we often forget that stressors, if not escapable, are fairly manageable and treatable.


Stress, either quick or constant, can induce risky body-mind disorders. Immediate disorders
such as dizzy spells, anxiety attacks, tension, sleeplessness, nervousness and muscle cramps
can all result in chronic health problems. They may also affect our immune, cardiovascular
and nervous systems and lead individuals to habitual addictions, which are inter-linked with
stress.

Like stress reactions, relaxation responses and stress management techniques are some
the bodys important built-in response systems. As a relaxation response the body tries to get
back balance in its homeostasis. Some hormones released during the fight or flight situation
prompt the body to replace the lost carbohydrates and fats, and restore the energy level. The
knotted nerves, tightened muscles and an exhausted mind crave for looseness. Unfortunately,
today, we dont get relaxing and soothing situations without asking. To be relaxed we have to
strive to create such situations.

Statement of problem

This research is to carry out the study that how much stressed the employees of the Retail
Industry are and how do their stress affect their work life, social life, output etc. so a sample
of 34 to 35 employees are selected from the different organizations for the research of stress
among them.

Objective of the Study

Primary Objective:
To undergo an in-depth study about the stress among the employees of Retail
Industry companies.

Secondary Objective:
To identify the factors causing stress among the employees
To find out the level and kind of stress among the employees of different groups
with different traders

To study about the effects of stress on employees in Retail sector Companies
To identify the coping strategies to manage stress

Scope:
The scope of this thesis would be to identify the stress that employees face in the Retail
industry companies and how much mentally they are fit to face this kind of stress. To learn
the ways the company deals to handle the kind of stress employees face. To know how the
company gets affected due to the stress faced by the employees.

(4.2) Sampling

Sample: I have taken the sample of 35 employees from the organization. All the employees
were of same designations.

Reason: As we find the employees of the Retail Industry to be more stressful as more and
more employees are taking VRS and are dismissed because of inflation.

It is incumbent on the researcher to clearly define the target population. There are no strict
rules to follow, and the researcher must rely on logic and judgment. The population is defined
in keeping with the objectives of the study.

Sometimes, the entire population will be sufficiently small, and the researcher can include the
entire population in the study. This type of research is called a census study because data is
gathered on every member of the population.

Usually, the population is too large for the researcher to attempt t survey all of its members.
A small, but carefully chosen sample can be used to represent the population. The sample
reflects the characteristics of the population from which it is drawn.

Sampling methods are classified as either probability or non-probability. In probability
samples, each member of the population has a known non-zero probability of being selected.
Probability methods include random sampling, systematic sampling, and stratified sampling.
In non-probability sampling, members are selected from the population in some nonrandom
manner. These include convenience sampling, judgment sampling, quota sampling, and
snowball sampling. The advantage of probability sampling is that sampling error can be
calculated. Sampling error is the degree to which a sample might differ from the population.
When inferring to the population, results are reported plus or minus the sampling error. In
non-probability sampling, the degree to which the sample differs from the population remains
unknown.

Random sampling is the purest form of probability sampling. Each member of the
population has an equal and known chance of being selected. When there are very
large populations, it is often difficult or impossible to identify every member of the
population, so the pool of available subjects becomes biased.

Systematic sampling is often used instead of random sampling. It is also called an
Nth name selection technique. After the required sample size has been calculated,
every Nth record is selected from the list of population members. As long as the list
does not contain any hidden order, this sampling method is as good as the random
sampling method. Its only advantage over the random sampling technique is
simplicity. Systematic sampling is frequently used to select a specified number of
records from a computer file.

Stratified sampling is commonly used probability method that is superior to random
sampling because it reduces sampling error. A stratum is a subset of the population
that shares at least one common characteristic. The researcher first identifies the
relevant stratums and their actuals representation in the population. Random sampling
is then used to select subjects from each stratum until the number of subjects in that
stratum is proportional to its frequency in the population. Stratified sampling is often
used when one or more of the stratums in the population have a low incidence relative
to the other stratums.

Convenience sampling is used in exploratory research where the researcher is
interested in getting an inexpensive approximation of the truth. As the name implies,
the sample is selected because they are convenient. This non-probability method is
often used during preliminary research efforts to get a gross estimate of the results,
without incurring the cost or time required to select a random sample.

Judgment sampling is a common non-probability method. The researcher selects the
sample based on judgment. This is usually and extension of convenience sampling.
For example, a researcher may decide to draw the entire sample from one
representative city, even though the population includes all cities. When using this
method, the researcher must be confident that the chosen sample is truly
representative of the entire population.

Quota sampling is the non-probability equivalent to stratified sampling. Like
stratified sampling, the researcher first defines the stratums and their proportions as
they are represented in the population. Then convenience or judgment sampling is
used to select the required number of subjects from each stratum. This differs from
stratified sampling, when the stratums are filled by random sampling.

Snowball sampling is a special non-probability sampling method used when the
desired sample characteristic is rate. It may be extremely difficult or cost prohibitive
to locate respondents in these situations. Snowball sampling relies on referrals from
initial subjects to generate additional subjects. While this technique can dramatically
lower search costs, it comes at the expense of introducing bias because the technique
itself reduces the likelihood that the sample will represent a good cross section from
the population.


(4.3) Research Instrument:
I have used questionnaire method to undertake the survey.

(4.3.1) Advantages of Written Questionnaires

Questionnaires are very cost effective when compared to face-to-face
interviews. This is especially true for studies involving large sample sizes and
large geographic areas. Written questionnaires become even more cost effective
as the number of research questions increases.

Questionnaires are easy to analyze. Data entry and tabulation for nearly all
surveys can be easily done with many computer software packages.

Questionnaires are familiar to most people. Nearly everyone has had some
experience completing questionnaires and they generally do not make people
apprehensive.

Questionnaires reduce bias. There is uniform question presentation and no
middle-man bias. The researcher's own opinions will not influence the
respondent to answer questions in a certain manner. There are no verbal or
visual clues to influence the respondent.

Questionnaires are less intrusive than telephone or face-to-face surveys. When
a respondent receives a questionnaire in the mail, he is free to complete the
questionnaire on his own time-table. Unlike other research methods, the
respondent is not interrupted by the research instrument.


(4.3.2) Disadvantages of Written Questionnaires

One major disadvantage of written questionnaires is the possibility of low
response rates. Low response is the curse of statistical analysis. It can
dramatically lower our confidence in the results. Response rates vary widely
from one questionnaire to another (10% - 90%), however, well-designed
studies consistently produce high response rates.

Another disadvantage of questionnaires is the inability to probe responses.
Questionnaires are structured instruments. They allow little flexibility to the
respondent with respect to response format. In essence, they often lose the
"flavor of the response" (i.e., respondents often want to qualify their answers).
By allowing frequent space for comments, the researcher can partially
overcome this disadvantage. Comments are among the most helpful of all the
information on the questionnaire, and they usually provide insightful
information that would have otherwise been lost.

Nearly ninety percent of all communication is visual. Gestures and other
visual cues are not available with written questionnaires. The lack of personal
contact will have different effects depending on the type of information being
requested. A questionnaire requesting factual information will probably not be
affected by the lack of personal contact. A questionnaire probing sensitive
issues or attitudes may be severely affected.


When returned questionnaires arrive in the mail, it's natural to assume that the
respondent is the same person you sent the questionnaire to. This may not
actually be the case. Many times business questionnaires get handed to other
employees for completion. Housewives sometimes respond for their husbands.
Kids respond as a prank. For a variety of reasons, the respondent may not be
who you think it is. It is a confounding error inherent in questionnaires.

Finally, questionnaires are simply not suited for some people. For example, a
written survey to a group of poorly educated people might not work because
of reading skill problems. More frequently, people are turned off by written
questionnaires because of misuse.

Checking Yourself for Burnout
Burnout occurs when passionate, committed people become deeply disillusioned with a job
or career from which they have previously derived much of their identity and meaning. It
comes as the things that inspire passion and enthusiasm are stripped away, and tedious or
unpleasant things crowd in. This tool can help you check yourself for burnout.

Introduction:
This tool can help you check yourself for burnout. It helps you look at the way you feel about
your job and your experiences at work, so that you can get a feel for whether you are at risk
of burnout.

Using the Tool:
Work through the table on paper and calculate values manually.
Fill in values appropriately on the sheet. This will automatically calculate scores for
you and interpret these scores, showing the score and interpretation in row 30.

If you choose to use the manual method, then calculate the total of the scores as described in
the instructions (note that this uses a slightly different scoring method from the spreadsheet).
Apply the score to the scoring table underneath to get the interpretation.

(4.4) Data analysis and Interpretation

The project report shows the information of the level of stress which the employees are
facing as the period of recession is going the employee cut-off and turnover ratios are found
to be high so the workload for the existing employees are high. So they are facing the
problem of work overload and thus they get stressed.
As I have collected data from the employees from the different Traders to compare the stress
levels.
Lets have a watch on the basic data of the survey:
The report of Stress levels of employees under First Trader:
>= Response
-1 No sign of burnout here! 0
5 Little sign of burnout here, unless some factors are particularly severe 6
18 Be careful - you may be at risk of burnout, particularly if several
scores are high
8
35 You are at severe risk of burnout - do something about this urgently 0
45 You are at very severe risk of burnout - do something about this
urgently
0

no sign of burn out
little sign of burnout
Be careful
severe risk
Very high

The report of stress levels of employees under the Second Trader
>= Response
scores are high
10
urgently
0

No sign
Little sign
Be careful
Severe risk
Very high

The report of Stress levels of employees under Third Trader:
>= Response
scores are high
3
urgently
0

No sign
little sign
be careful
Severe risk
Very high

Analysis:
It is seen from the above data that the employees working in the Retail Industry are at the risk
of two levels that is a little sign of burn out and be careful. Taking a look on the data of
all the three Traders, it is seen that the employees working with Second Trader are found less
stressed out compared to other Traders. This can be because of their healthy work
environment. If all the graphs are compared, it is seen that the ratio of stressed employees
working with Third trader are high as compared to all the other traders
Overall result of the survey

>= Response
scores are high
21
urgently
0
.


Analysis:
From the above graph it can be seen that maximum employees under all the Traders are at a
moderate level of risk of burnout while the employees who were found with a little sign of
burnout is less. So the ratio of little sign of burnout and moderate level of burnout is 2:3.

no sign
little sign
Be carefull
severe risk
Very high

1. Are you satisfied with the performance you give at your work?

Analysis:

From the diagram it is clear that 77 % of the employees are satisfied with the performance
they give in the work while 23 % of the employees are not satisfied.

Yes No No response
27 8 0
Yes
77%
No
23%
No
response
0%
Response

2. Do you think that you are suffering from depression?

Analysis:
20 % of the employees feel that they are suffering from depression while 80 % of the
employee feels that that they are free from the depression.

Yes No No response
7 28 0
Yes
20%
No
80%
No
respons
e
0%
Response

3. Do you worry about your colleague's opinion about you?

Yes No No response
9 26 0

Analysis:

26% of the employees worry about their colleagues opinion about them while 74% of the
employees are not concern with the opinion about their colleague.

Yes
26%
No
74%
No
respons
e
0%
Response

4. Do you discuss your problem with your spouse or friend or any other close to
you?

Analysis:
91% of the employees discuss their problem and share their feelings with their spouse or
friends or others while 9 % of the employee is not concerned with it.

Yes No No response
32 3 0
Yes
91%
No
9%
No
response
0%
Response

5. Do you work more than 8 hours?

Analysis:
89% of the employees work for more than 8 hours which is the starting point of the stress
while 11 % of the employees dont work for more than 8 hours.

Yes No No response
20 15 0
Yes
89%
No
11%
No
response
0%
Response

6. You have an important function at your home and your boss asks to give a 4 hour
over time, what will be your response?

Analysis:
40 % of the employees are proved to be work dedicated and they are ready to miss the
important function at their house while 54 % of the employees said no and 6 % of the
employee did not give any answer.

Yes No No response
14 19 2
Yes
40%
No
54%
No
response
6%
Response

7. Do you regularly spend time for entertainment?

Analysis:
57% of the employee spent regular time on entertainment which helps us to remain stress free
while 43 % of the employees dont do that.

Yes No No response
22 13 0
Yes
57%
No
43%
No
response
0%
Response

8. Is your social life balanced?

Analysis:
54 % of the employees find their social life to be balanced while 40 % of the employees dont
have their social life balanced. 6% of the employees remain silent.

Yes No No response
19 14 2
Yes
54%
No
40%
No
response
6%
Response

9. Do you plan your work before doing?

Analysis:
It is a good habit to plan the work you do. 89 % of the employees plan their work before
doing while 11 % of the employees dont plan their work.

Yes No No response
31 4 0
Yes
89%
No
11%
No
response
0%
Response

10. Do you fear about the quality of your performance?

Analysis:
63% of the employees fear the quality of performance which they give while 37 % of the
employees dont fear the quality of their work.

Yes No No response
22 13 0
Yes
63%
No
37%
No
response
0%
Response

11. Do you try to find any solution for the problem of your stress?

Analysis:
69% of employees found the solution of there of stress.

Yes No No response
24 6 5
Yes
69%
No
17%
No
response
14%
Response

12. (IF YES) do you practice yoga or any other Ayurveda therapy for reducing
stress?

Analysis:
31% of the employees try the yoga and other Ayurveda techniques to reduce their stress
while 52 % of the employees use other techniques to reduce stress.

Yes No No response
11 18 6
Yes
31%
No
52%
No
response
17%
Response

(4.5) Employees opinion about how to reduce stress

This project consist of the information about the employees undergoing from stress who
working in the Retail Industry. So considering this factor this topic becomes one of the most
important part of the project as it consists of the opinion of the employees who work in the
Retail Industry. In short it was a direct interview of the employees who gave their opinion
about how to reduce stress. The response of employees in the Retail Industry was marvelous
and they have given their valuable opinion about reducing stress as a result of the last
question included in the questionnaire 2. So the opinion if the employees were as follows:

Just smile away An employee- Working with First Trader
Just believe in yourself and just do what your heart wants An employee- Working
with First Trader
-Talking to family members, - Watching TV or listening good music, - Going for a
walk or long drive An employee- Working with First Trader
Believe in God An employee- Working with First Trader
Respect yourself and give time to yourself An employee- Working with First Trader
Working in environment welfares, lot of positive attitude. Positive attitude is only
that reduces stress and achieves success. Most of the people frustrate due to lack of
positivity and stress level climbs up due to that. So get positive attitude about work,
about life, and forget the stress An employee- Working with Second Trader
We should do such activities from which we get happiness and also make others
happy. Pass your time with your close friends and relatives. An employee- Working
with Second Trader
Play and watch cricket An employee- Working with Second Trader.
Listen music and spend time with family An employee- Working with Third Trader
Get adjusted with others, Find and spend time for prayer, Study the scriptures, See
oneness in all, All are manifested of the supreme GOD An employee- Working with
Third Trader.


These opinions are seemed to be valuable and effective as one of the effective
things has been noticed that the employees who have got less than 18 marks in the Burnout
test have given their opinions about reducing the stress.

It is also noticed that in the employees working with the Third Trader in the time
of afternoon slow instrumental music are been played so that the employees can work stress
free. This is one of the positive things which are seen in the organization who is caring for
their employees. This will help the organization to boost up the productivity.

From the certain sample of employees selected for the research, only 10
employees have given their opinion how to reduce stress. So we can understand that how
overloaded the employees of the Retail Industry are.


(4.6) Research Flowchart

Questionnaire research design proceeds in an orderly and specific manner. Each item in the
flow chart depends upon the successful completion of all the previous items. Therefore, it is
important not to skip a single step. Notice that there are two feedback loops in the flow chart
to allow revisions to the methodology and instruments.

Design Methodology

Determine Feasibility

Develop Instruments

Select Sample

Conduct Pilot Test

Revise Instruments

Conduct Research

Analyze Data

Prepare Report


(4.7) Limitation of the survey

The questionnaires were filled be 35 employees working with three Retail Industry traders.
So the scope of sample findings was less.

The questionnaire was filled by 35 employees of different designations. So the point of
view of employees differs as per their designations.

The employees from whom the questionnaires are filled are in a heavy workload so some of
the questionnaires filled by the employees who are in stress cannot be called reasonable.

The responses of the employees cannot be accurate as the problem of language and
understanding arises. (These problems are not in all cases.)

One of the other problems of questionnaire is the cost. Sometimes it may be possible that
even by spending so much the result may not be reasonable.

Many a times the employees may not be really conscious or may not be bothered about the
questionnaire. This may create a problem in the research.


(4.8) Findings

It is analyzed from the questionnaire filled by the employees that the employees
who have scored more than 20 marks in the burnout test are not satisfied with the
performance which they give in the organization. Thus it is proved that the employees who
are desired to give better performance than their original performance are found more
stressful than the others. While at the same time the employ that have scored less than 20
marks in the burnout test are satisfied with the performance. From the sample of 35 Retail
Industry employees who have been surveyed, one is found to be a heart patient. This can be
because of high level of stress.

Very rare of the employee are to be found suffering from depression. It is
proved from the survey that the employees who have scored more than 25 marks in the
burnout test are concern about the opinion of their colleagues. And the employees who got
less than 25 marks do not mind about their colleagues opinion. Thus it is proved that the
colleagues opinion also play a lead role in the increase and decrease of the stress level. Those
who mind about their colleagues opinion are found to be more stressful.

The employees who have scored 28-29 marks in the burnout test dont believe in
sharing their problems with their spouse or friend or any closed one. Thus we can say that
sharing your problems with your spouse or close friends is a better idea to reduce stress.

In the second questionnaire one of the question was You have an important
function at your home and your boss asks to give a 4 hour over time what will be your
response Yes or No? the employees have given their opinion as per their mood.

While considering the point of view of entertainment it depends upon the mood
of the employees. The entertainment is considered one of the most ultimate solutions to
reduce stress. Most of the employees do not spend regular time in entertainment. This may be

because they may not be getting time for entertainment or they may not be interested in the
same.

One of the questions was asked that were their social life balanced? It is
observed that the employees who have scored above 20 marks in the burnout test did not have
their social life balanced. Thus we can conclude that the employees who are above 20 dont
have their social life balanced. Thus it is proved that stress may affect our social life also.

The employees were asked whether they plan their work or not, moderate
answers were given. The employees scoring more than 25 marks were not found their work
planned. Thus the employees who plan their work have scored below 25 marks in the burnout
test except some cases as there are always some drawbacks in making plan. Failure of a plan
may also lead a person to stress. Thus we can conclude that planning of the work may help to
reduce stress level.

Most of the employees who have scored more than 20 marks fear about their
quality of work they give. This aspect is not dependent of the burnout level. This aspect
depends upon the dedication of work. So it is meaningless to compare this question with the
burnout test.

A question was asked that weather you get stressed at the non-achievement of
their target? All the employees have responded positively. But this is not concern with the
burnout score. From this we can conclude that all the employees are given achievable target
and naturally by the non-achievement of the target all the employees may get stressed. One of
the other possibilities is that the employees have responded positively to show themselves to
be good.

The employees having more than 10 marks in the burnout test says that they are
under stress. Out of 35 employees of the sample 20 of the employees accepted that the reason
for their stress is workload. 10 employees are not stressed because of the workload but
because of their family problem. 5 of the employees are not suffering from stress. 14
employees out of 30 employees who are stressed feel stressful when their boss scolds them
while 16 employees refused that they are not stressed because their boss scolds them. All the
30 employees have accepted that they try to find the solution of their stress. 10 employees out

of 30 employees practice yoga to reduce their stress and the other 20 employees dont
practice yoga. The burnout scores of the employees who practice yoga are either more than
25 or less than 20. Thus we can conclude that the employees have reduced their stress by
yoga therapy and other employees have just started the yoga because of high level of burnout

The above analysis is done by the data received from the questionnaire. So the
accuracy of data depends upon the response of the employees.


(4.9) Recommendations

Stress caused by everything from retail work to office jobs, is the second biggest
occupational health problem. There is still a stigma attached to mental health problems and
employees are often reluctant to seek help in case they are perceived to be unable to cope.
Some of the recommendations after the research are as follows:

Accept offers of help
Do one thing at a time (avoid taking on too much at once)
Know your limits (don't try to overdo the competitiveness)
Talk to someone you trust about your concerns
Let off steam through exercise (gentle or vigorous)
Surround yourself with positive people who are non-judgmental
Practice breathing techniques and relaxation techniques

When people feel under pressure at work, they tend to work harder and harder
to try to close the gap between what they are achieving and what they think they should be
achieving. They sometimes stop taking breaks and lose touch with their own needs.

If you are currently employed in a retail career, whether you are a manager or a
sales assistant, we have prepared a number of tips designed to help you cope with excessive
stress:
Talk to someone you trust. Career counseling can help, as it is totally unbiased and
focuses on your specific needs
Work regular hours and make sure you take all the breaks and the holidays you are
entitled to
Book a day off or a long weekend
Avail yourself of flexible working practices if available

Look after yourself. This could mean anything from exercising at least 3 times a week
to changing your diet
Cut down on alcohol and cigarette consumption; such short term solutions will only
add to your stress levels in the long term
Make your work environment comfortable and suited to your needs
Discuss your problems with your manager, it is their responsibility to help you cope
with stress at work
Treat your colleagues with the respect they deserve or as you would like to be treated
yourself
If you are being bullied at work seek help either through your superior or from outside
advisors.


(4.10) Conclusions:

This study is a small attempt to study stress in the retail industry. Retail work,
along with many other professions, can be a source of excessive stress. The secret of
managing stress is to look after oneself and, where possible, to remove some of the causes of
stress. If one starts to feel things are getting on top of her/him, s/he should give some
breathing space.

Without stress there would be no life at all. We need stress, but not too much stress for too
long (distress).

Good stress helps us alert, motivates us to face challenges, and drives us to solve problems.
These low levels of stress are manageable. And can be thought of as necessary and normal
stimulation.

Problems can occur when over activation of sympathetic system is unnecessary.
What we all is to learn how to approach matters in more realistic and reasonable ways. Strong
reactions are better reserved for serious situations. Manageable reactions are better for
everyday issues that we all have to face.

Thus, it can be safely stated that Stress Management has become one of the
most critical factor in todays world also specially in an organizations working today and it
will gain more important as the market becomes more and more competitive. Companies
must begin to manage people at work differently, treating them with respect and valuing their
contribution. If we enhance the psychological wellbeing and health of employees, in coming
future the company would make more revenue as well as employee retention, because it is
said that,

A healthy employee is a productive employee


5. BI BI LI OGRAPHY

o www.mindtool.com
o Organizational Behaviour Stephen P. Robbins
o Burn Out tool Questionnaire
o Self-analysis of questionnaire


6.ANNEXURE
Questionnaire


No Questions Not at
all
Rarely Sometimes Often Very
often
1 Do you feel run down and
drained of physical or
emotional energy?

2 Do you find that you are prone
to negative thinking about
your job?

3 Do you find that you are
harder and less sympathetic
with people than perhaps they
deserve?

4 Do you find yourself getting
easily irritated by small
problems, or by your co-
workers and team?

5 Do you feel misunderstood or
unappreciated by your co-
workers?

6 Do you feel that you have no-
one to talk to?

7 Do you feel that you are
achieving less than you
should?

8 Do you feel under an
unpleasant level of pressure to
succeed?

9 Do you feel that you are not
getting what you want out of
your job?

10 Do you feel that you are in the
wrong organization or the
wrong profession?

11 Are you becoming frustrated
with parts of your job?


12 Do you feel that
organizational politics or
bureaucracy frustrate your
ability to do a good job?

13 Do you feel that there is more
work to do than you
practically have the ability to
do?

14 Do you feel that you do not
have time to do many of the
things that are important to
doing a good quality job?

15 Do you find that you do not
have time to plan as much as
you would like to?

Total
>=
-1 No sign of burnout here!
5 Little sign of burnout here, unless some factors are particularly severe
18 Be careful - you may be at risk of burnout, particularly if several scores are high
35 You are at severe risk of burnout - do something about this urgently
45 You are at very severe risk of burnout - do something about this urgently

Instructions: For each question, put an 'X' in the column that most applies. Put one 'X' only in
each row.
Please write the total number of x at the space given at the bottom of each column.

Answer Number Weight Weighted Total
Not at all 0
Rarely 1
Sometimes 2
Often 3
Very often 4

No Questions Yes No
1 Are you satisfied with the performance you give at your work?
2 Do you think that you are suffering from depression?
3 Do you worry about your colleague's opinion about you?
4 Do you discuss your problem with your spouse or friend or any
other close to you?

5 Do you work more than 8 hours?
6 You have an important function at your home and your boss asks to
give a 4 hour over time, what will be your response?

7 Do you regularly spend time for entertainment?
8 Is your social life balanced?
9 Do you plan your work before doing?
10 Do you fear about the quality of your performance?
11 Do you try to find any solution for the problem of your stress?
12 (IF YES) Do you practice yoga or any other Ayurveda therapy for
reducing stress?

Project Report On Stress Management Among Retail Industry Employees

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