“Nothing gives one person so much advantage over another as to remain always cool and unruffled under all circumstances.” -Thomas Jefferson

Today’s environment is increasingly characterized by the rapid pace of globalization, ever increasing competition and technological changes which often give rise to stress reactions in employees, resulting in a number of negative consequences. Stress is present when an environmental demand threatens to exceed a person’s capabilities or resources for meeting it, and especially so under when outcome is perceived to be both uncertain and important. The same stressors may or may not lead to stress to an individual or group of individuals. Some people may overact the stressors and get highly stressed whereas others may have the endurance and equanimity to cope with such stressors. The situation will be influenced by the nature and the extent of the demands, the person’s perception of the situation, the character of the individual, the social support available, and the constraints under which the coping process is taking place.

‘Eustress’ is a term used for positive responses, whilst the term ‘distress’ appropriately describes negative aspects. ‘Stress’, therefore, should be viewed as a continuum along which an individual may pass, from feelings of eustress to those of mild/moderate distress, to those of severe distress.

The negative effects of stress have substantial impact on the learning, work performance and wellbeing of an individual. Occupational stress due to absenteeism, employee turnover and lower productivity is costing the organizations into hundreds of billions of dollars across the globe. Dwindling quality products and services, bad publicity, loss of customers, high costs with regard to staff replacements are the consequences of job stress to the organizations.

On the individual front, outcomes or symptoms of distress may be physical, psychological or behavioral viz, increased blood pressure, heart disease, headache, decreased appetite, chronic fatigue, anxiety, depression, irritability, poor decision making, lack of concentration, forgetfulness, job dissatisfaction, reduced organizational commitment, avoidant behavior, increased absenteeism, turnover, accidents and substance abuse.