In this edition of the Stress Cops PodCast Radio Show we bring you a quantum-self stress research report about workplace stress and innovation, and the surprising evidence that an innovative work environment is actually far more likely to be stress free – regardless of whether or not a stress management program is in place.
Working in an innovative environment? You have a lower probability of job related stress, with or without following a formal or personal stress management or stress reduction program.
Quite a bit of past research has shown that innovation is associated with such factors as: goal clarity, feedback, and communication. Stress, however, has been somewhat neglected in most research on innovation in the workplace.
A group of researchers in Finland recently published the findings from a study in which they investigated whether occupational stress is associated with innovation.
The researchers surveyed almost 1800 employees from the health care, metal and retail industries. The results showed that increases in stress are associated with decreases in innovation.
Although the study was not designed to determine whether occupational stress influences innovation in the workplace, it nonetheless demonstrated that the two are related. Evidently, an innovative work environment is not a high-stress work environment.
In most work situations, however, stress management programs are more important than ever because of the fast pace business operates under today.
If you have a challenge managing your stress, you may want to do some mental re-programming to improve how you respond. Your stress response is a habit. And like any other habit, it will only go away if replaced with other behavior patterns.
Over thirty years of research have proven that brainwave training is the fastest instant stress reducer. Instant stress management is great. But a regime of alpha/theta (A-T) brainwave training has an even bigger payback -- it trains your brain to easily order your mind and body to relax on its own, and makes you far more creative.
The Research: Länsisalmi, H., & Kivimäki, M. (1999). Factors associated with innovative climate: What is the role of stress? Stress Medicine, 15, 203-213.
By Dr Jill Ammon-Wexler
© 2005 All Rights Reserved
The author, Stress Cop Dr. Jill Ammon-Wexler, is a pioneer brain/mind researcher, doctor of psychology, author, life adventurer, and international executive advisor. You will find more of her stress management and stress reduction articles at Quantum-Self.com -- the Self Discovery Community, and in the Quantum Brain Gym -- the first online brainwave training center.
The Stress Cops Radio Show
Where we always talk stress management and stress reduction.
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