A RESEARCH PROJECT ON

STRESS MANAGEMENT IN BANKING

INDUSTRY

Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the

Degree Required of
Master of Business Administration

Session (2015 2017)

SUBMITTED TO:

MS. MANPREET KAUR

Lecturer,

SUBMITTED BY:

HARDEEP KUMAR

M.B.A 4th SEM.,

ROLL NO.-13029

REGD.NO- 1513474

RAYAT INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT

RAILMAJRA.

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the project report on the STRESS MANAGEMNT is a

bonafide project work done by MR HARDEEP KUMAR , full time students of the
Department of MBA (HR) RAYAT INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT in partial
fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the degree of MBA (Finance) of the
University of PTU during the year 2015-2017.

. .. .
Project Guide Head of the Department Principal

DECLARATION
I, HARDEEP KUMAR hereby declare that the report fulfils all the
requirements for the award of the degree in PUNJAB in Human
Resource Management and is a record of original work done by us
during the period of MARCH 2017, under the guidance and
supervision of Professors Ms. Manpreet Kaur.

..

Signature of the Faculty Guide Signature of the Candidate

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I offer our special thanks and prayers to God Almighty for showering
his blessings on us and bestowing us with the skills and abilities to
carry out this study.

It gives me great pleasure to present this research on stress

 management I sincerely thank to the Human Resource Department at
Company where I got the Exposure of different functions of Human
Resources and I got an opportunity to interact with different people
from that department.I am also thankful to them for their constant
support and guidance without research would not have been a learning
experience.

I would also like to thank for the support of my batch mates & friends
who were always there to help me whenever I needed.

Finally a word of thank for the faculties of RIM,RAILMAJRA who

were always with me during my research.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

S.NO CONTENTS PG. NO.

LIST OF TABLES
 LIST OF CHARTS

1 INTRODUCTION 8

2 INDUSTRY PROFILE 16

3 SCOPE & OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY 20

4 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY 21

5 REVIEW OF LITERATURE 22

6 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 37

7 DATA ANALYSIS & INTERPRETATIONS 42

8 FINDINGS 66

9 SUGGESTIONS 67

10 CONCLUSION 69

11 BIBLIOGRAPHY 70

12 ANNEXURE 72

LIST OF TABLES & PIE CHARTS

PAGE
NO. TITLE
NO.

1 AGE OF RESPONDENTS 42

2 GENDER OF RESPONDENTS 43
 3 WORK EXPERIENCE OF RESPONDENTS 44

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION OF
4 RESPONDENTS 45

RESPONDENTS WITH DIFFICULTY IN

1.1 SLEEPING 46

RESPONDENTS WITH DIFFICULTY IN

1.2 47
CONCENTRATING

1.3 RESPONDANTS WITH FINANCIAL PROBLEMS 48

1.4 RESPONDENTS AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE 49

1.5 RESPONDENTS AND FREQUENCY OF ANGER 50

1.6 RESPONDENTS WITH JOB PESSIMISM 51

RESPONDENTS WITH SLOW RECOVERY

1.7 DURING ILLNESS 52

1.8 RESPONDENTS WHO FEEL ISOLATED 53

1.9 RESPONDENTS WITH NO CONTROL OF LIFE 54

1.10 RESPONDENTS WITH BAD EATING HABITS 55

RESPONDENTS WHO OVER REACT TO

1.11 56
CONFLICTS
RESPONDENTS WHOSE WORK EXCEEDS
1.12 57
ONE'S CAPACITY
RESPONDENTS CAUGHT BETWEEN FAMILY
1.13 58
AND WORK PRESSURE
RESPONDENTS WHO FEEL UNDER - PAR AT
1.14 THE BEGINNING OF A WORK DAY 59

RESPONDENTS WHO SHY AWAY FROM

1.15 50
SOCIAL CONTACT WITH COLLEAGUES
 RESPONDENTS WHOSE APPEARANCES ARE
1.16 61
COMMENTED UPON
RESPONDENTS WITH NO TIME FOR
1.17 THEMSELVES 62

RESPONDENTS WHO FEEL

1.18 MISUNDERSTOOD/ UNAPPRECIATED BY 63
OTHERS
RESPONDENTS WHO ARE COPERS FOR
1.19 FAMILY/ COLLEAGUES WITH NO SUPPORT 64
FOR THEMSELVES
RESPONDENTS WHO TAKE A DAY OFF JUST
1.20 TO RECUPERATE EMOTIONALLY, 65
MENTYALLY & PHYSICALLY

INTRODUCTION
20TH century has been regarded as the period of incredible change in human history.
Philosophers and scientists have been various names to this period. Peter Drucker has
called it The Age of Discontinuity, John Galbraith has called it The Age of Future
Shock and Hari Albrecht called it The Age of Anxiety.

Stress has become the 21 century buzz word, from the high pervading corporate echelons
to the bassinets of teaching infants nurseries we find this world liberally used. Stress is
part of modern life. Various events in life cause stress, starting with the birth of a child
and enduring with the death of a dear one.

Urbanization, industrialization and the increase scale of operations in society are some of
the reasons for rising stress. It is an inevitable consequence of socio-economic
complexity and to some extent, its stimulant as well. People experience stress as they can
no longer have complete control over what happen in their lives. The telephone goes out
of order, power is shut down, water supply is disrupted, children perform poorly at school
etc, we feel frustrated and then stressed.

The word stress is derived from a Latin word stringere, meaning to draw tight. From
the view point of physical sciences, the phenomena of stress are evident in all materials
when they are subjected to force, pressure, strain or strong-front. Every material steel,
rock or wood has its own limit up to which it can withstand stress without being
damaged. Similarly human beings can tolerate certain level of stress. Stress is highly
individualistic in nature. Some people have high levels of stress tolerance for stress and
thrive very well in the face of several stressors in the environment. In fact, some
individuals will not perform well unless they experience a level of stress which activates
and energizes then to put forth their best results.

For every individual there is an optimum level of stress under which he or she will
perform to full capacity. If the stress experience is below the optimum level, then the
individual gets bored, the motivational level of work reaches a low point and it results to
careless mistakes, forgetting to do things and thinking of things other than work during
work hours and also leads to absenteeism which may ultimately lead to turnover. If on the
other hand, stress experience is above the optimum level, it leads to too many conflicts
with the supervisor or leads to increase of errors, bad decisions and the individual may
experience insomnia, stomach problems, and psychosomatic illness.

The present world is fast changing and there are lots of pressures and demands at work.
These pressures at work lead to physical disorders. Stress refers to individuals reaction to
a disturbing factor in the environment. It is an adaptive response to certain external factor
or situation or what can be called environmental stimuli as reflected in an opportunity,
constraint, or demand the outcome of which is uncertain but important. In short stress is a
response to an external factor that results in physical, emotional, behavioral deviations in
a person.

Stress is an all pervading modern phenomenon that takes a heavy toll of human life.
Different situations and circumstances in our personal life and in our job produce stress.
Those can be divided into factors related to the organization and factors related to the
person which include his experience and personality traits. Job related factors are work
overload, time pressures, poor quality of supervision, insecure political climate, role
conflict and ambiguity, difference between company values and employee values. Person
related factors are death of spouse, or of a close friend, family problems, change to a
different line of work, prolonged illness in the family, change in social activities, eating
habits, etc.,

Personality traits are Type A personality. They are impatient, ambitious, competitive,
aggressive, and hardworking. They set high goals and demands of themselves and others.
And they are particularly prone to stress inducing anticipatory emotions such as anxiety.

REMEDIES TO REDUCE STRESS

There are two major approaches to reduce stress. They are,

Individual approaches
Organizational approaches

INDIVIDUAL APPROACHES

An employee can take individual responsibility to reduce his/her stress level. Individual
strategies that have proven effective include, implementing time management techniques,
increasing physical exercise, relaxation training, and expanding the social support
network.

Time management
Many people manage their time very poorly. Some of well known time management
principles include,

Making daily list of activities to be accomplished

Scheduling activities according to the priorities set
Prioritizing activities by importance and urgency
Knowing your daily cycle and handling the most demanding parts of your
job.
Physical exercise
Practicing physical exercises like aerobics, brisk walking, jogging, swimming, and riding
a bi-cycle.

Relaxation training
Relaxation techniques such as meditation, hypnosis and bio-feedback. The objective is to
reach in state of deep relaxation, where one feels physically relaxed, somewhat from
detached from the immediate environment. Fifteen or twenty minutes a day of deep
relaxation releases tension and provides a person with a pronounced sense of
peacefulness.

Social support
Having families, friends or work colleagues to talk provides an outlet, when stress levels
become excessive. So expand your social support network that helps you with someone
to hear your problems.

ORGANIZATIONAL APPROACHES

Several of the factors that cause stress particularly task and role demands and
organizations structure are controlled by management. As such they can be modified or
changed. Some of the strategies that management want to consider include improved
personal self section and job placement, use of realistic goal setting, redesigning of jobs,
improved organizational communication and establishment of corporate wellness
programmes.

Certain jobs are more stressful than others. Individual with little experience or an external
lower of control tend to be more proven to stress. Selection and placement decisions
should take these facts into consideration. Goal setting helps to reduce stress. It also
provides motivation. Designing jobs to give employees more responsibility, more
meaningful work, more autonomy, and increased feedback can reduce stress, because
these factors give the employee greater control over work activities and lessen
dependence on others.

Increasingly formal organizational communication with employees reduces uncertainty

by reducing role ambiguity and role conflict. Wellness programs like employee
counselling form on the employees total physical and mental condition. They typically
proud work ships to help people quit smoking, control alcohol usage, eat better and
develop a regular exercise program.

Another remedy for reducing stress is cognitive restructuring. It involves two step
procedures. First irrational or maladaptive thought processes that create stress are
identified. For example Type A individuals may believe that they must be successful at
everything they do. The second step consists of replacing these irrational thoughts with
more rational or reasonable ones.

One important remedy to reduce stress is the maintenance of good sleep. Research
conducted on laboratory specimen to have met with startling discoveries. Sleep starved
rats have developed stress syndrome. The amount of sleep one requires varies from
person to person and is dependent on ones lifestyle. The American National Sleep
Foundation claims that a minimum of eight hours of sleep is essential for good health.
Generally studies shows that young adults can manage with about 7-8 hours. After the
age of 35, six hours of sleep is sufficient whereas people over 65 years may just need
three or four hours.

TYPES OF STRESSES

The different types of stress are as follows:

Mechanical

Stress (physics), the average amount of force exerted 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 types include:

Chronic stress, persistent stress which can lead to illness and mental disorder

Eustress, positive stress that can lead to improved long-term functioning

Workplace stress, stress caused by employment

Other

Stress (game), card game

Stress (linguistics), phonological use of prominence in language

STRESS IN MECHANICAL TERMS :

Stress (physics)

Stress is a 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 into
the theory of elasticity by Cauchy around 1822. Stress is a concept that is based on the
concept of continuum. In general, stress is expressed as

Where,

is the average stress, also called engineering or nominal stress, and

is the force acting over the area .

Chronic Stress

Chronic stress is stress that lasts a long time or 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 a panic disorder.

There are a number of methods to control chronic stress, which include, exercise, healthy
diet, stress management, relaxation techniques, 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 a magnesium deficiency.

It has been discovered that there is a 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 stress and disease, the
authors found that stress plays a role in triggering or worsening depression and
cardiovascular disease and in speeding 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 this
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 yield 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 -- an increase of

compressive force F leads to structural failure due to buckling at 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 with positive values.

STRESS IN BIOLOGICAL TERMS:

Stress is a biological term which refers to the consequences of the failure of a human or
animal body to respond appropriately 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 the endocrinologist Hans Selye in the 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 Selye's 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 laypersons in a metaphorical rather than literal or

biological sense, as a catch-all for any perceived difficulties in life. It also became 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.

GOOD STRESS V/S BAD STRESS:

Stress has often been misunderstood to be negative, with few people acknowledging the
importance and usefulness of 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 harness 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 psychological problems, whilst
positive stress can be very helpful for us. Heres how we differentiate between them.

EUSTRESS
This 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 a 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. Examples include highly stressful jobs, which require 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.

INDUSTRY PROFILE

HISTORY OF BANKING

Modern Western economic and financial history is usually traced back to the coffee
houses of London. The London Royal Exchange was established in 1565. At that time
moneychangers were already called bankers, though the term "bank" usually referred to
their offices, and did not carry the meaning it does today. There was also a hierarchical
order among professionals; at the top were the bankers who did business with heads of
state, next were the city exchanges, and at the bottom were the pawn shops or
"Lombard"'s. Some European cities today have a Lombard street where the pawn shop
was located.

After the siege of Antwerp trade moved to Amsterdam. In 1609 the Amsterdamsche
Wisselbank (Amsterdam Exchange Bank) was founded which made Amsterdam the
financial centre of the world until the Industrial Revolution.

Banking offices were usually located near centers of trade, and in the late 17th century,
the largest centers for commerce were the ports of Amsterdam, London, and Hamburg.
Individuals could participate in the lucrative East India trade by purchasing bills of credit
from these banks, but the price they received for commodities was dependent on the ships
returning (which often didn't happen on time) and on the cargo they carried (which often
wasn't according to plan). The commodities market was very volatile for this reason, and
also because of the many wars that led to cargo seizures and loss of ships.

MAJOR EVENTS IN BANKING HISTORY

1602 - First joint-stock company, the Dutch East India Company founded.

1720 - The South Sea Bubble and John Law's Mississippi Scheme, which caused a
European financial crisis and forced many bankers out of business.

1781 - The Bank of North America was found by the Continental Congress.

1930-33 In the wake of the Wall Street Crash of 1929, 9,000 banks close, wiping out
a third of the money supply in the United States.

1986 - The "Big Bang" (deregulation of London financial markets) served as a

catalyst to reaffirm London's position as a global centre of world banking.

2008 - Washington Mutual collapses. It was the largest bank failure in history.
HISTORY OF BANKING IN INDIA
The first bank in India, though conservative, was established in 1786. From 1786 till
today, the journey of Indian Banking System can be segregated into three distinct phases.
They are as mentioned below:
Early phase from 1786 to 1969 of Indian Banks

Nationalisation of Indian Banks and up to 1991 prior to Indian banking sector

Reforms.

New phase of Indian Banking System with the advent of Indian Financial &
Banking Sector Reforms after 1991.
Phase I

The General Bank of India was set up in the year 1786. Next came Bank of Hindustan
and Bengal Bank. The East India Company established Bank of Bengal (1809), Bank of
Bombay (1840) and Bank of Madras (1843) as independent units and called it Presidency
Banks. These three banks were amalgamated in 1920 and Imperial Bank of India was
established which started as private shareholders banks, mostly Europeans shareholders.

In 1865 Allahabad Bank was established and first time exclusively by Indians, Punjab
National Bank Ltd. was set up in 1894 with headquarters at Lahore. Between 1906 and
1913, Bank of India, Central Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, Indian Bank,
and Bank of Mysore were set up. Reserve Bank of India came in 1935.

During the first phase the growth was very slow and banks also experienced periodic
failures between 1913 and 1948. There were approximately 1100 banks, mostly small. To
streamline the functioning and activities of commercial banks, the Government of India
came up with The Banking Companies Act, 1949 which was later changed to Banking
Regulation Act 1949 as per amending Act of 1965 (Act No. 23 of 1965). Reserve Bank of
India was vested with extensive powers for the supervision of banking in india as the
Central Banking Authority.

During those days public has lesser confidence in the banks. As an aftermath deposit
mobilisation was slow. Abreast of it the savings bank facility provided by the Postal
department was comparatively safer. Moreover, funds were largely given to tra
HYPERLINK
"http://finance.indiamart.com/investment_in_india/banking_in_india.html"ders.

Phase II

Government took major steps in this Indian Banking Sector Reform after independence.
In 1955, it nationalised Imperial Bank of India with extensive banking facilities on a large
scale specially in rural and semi-urban areas. It formed State Bank of india to act as the
principal agent of RBI and to handle banking transactions of the Union and State
Governments all over the country.

Seven banks forming subsidiary of State Bank of India was nationalised in 1960 on 19th
July, 1969, major process of nationalisation was carried out. It was the effort of the then
Prime Minister of India, Mrs. Indira Gandhi. 14 major commercial banks in the country
was nationalised. Second phase of nationalisation Indian Banking Sector Reform was
carried out in 1980 with seven more banks. This step brought 80% of the banking
segment in India under Government ownership.

The following are the steps taken by the Government of India to Regulate Banking
Institutions in the Country:

1949 : Enactment of Banking Regulation Act.

1955 : Nationalisation of State Bank of India.

1959 : Nationalisation of SBI subsidiaries.

1961 : Insurance cover extended to deposits.

1969 : Nationalisation of 14 major banks.

1971 : Creation of credit guarantee corporation.

1975 : Creation of regional rural banks.

1980 : Nationalisation of seven banks with deposits over 200 crore.

After the nationalisation of banks, the branches of the public sector bank India rose to
approximately 800% in deposits and advances took a huge jump by 11,000%.
Banking in the sunshine of Government ownership gave the public implicit faith and
immense confidence about the sustainability of these institutions.

Phase III

This phase has introduced many more products and facilities in the banking sector in its
reforms measure. In 1991, under the chairmanship of M Narasimham, a committee was
set up by his name which worked for the liberalisation of banking practices.

The country is flooded with foreign banks and their ATM stations. Efforts are being put to
give a satisfactory service to customers. Phone banking and net banking is introduced.
The entire system became more convenient and swift. Time is given more importance
than money.

The financial system of India has shown a great deal of resilience. It is sheltered from any
crisis triggered by any external macroeconomics shock as other East Asian Countries
suffered. This is all due to a flexible exchange rate regime, the foreign reserves are high,
the capital account is not yet fully convertible, and banks and their customers have
limited foreign exchange exposure.
 SCOPE & SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The world today is fast changing and every individual faces a lot of pressure and demand
at work. These pressures at work lead to mental and physical disorders. Stress refers to an
individuals response to a disturbing factor in the environment and the consequences of
such a reaction. This study will help organizations know what causes stress and how to
reduce the same in employees since it is a well known fact that a healthy and sound
employee is a productive employee.

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

Primary objective:
To undergo an in-depth study about the existence of stress among the employees
of the BANKING INDUSTRY Post - Recession.

Secondary objective:

To identify the factors causing stress among the employees.

To find out the level of stress among the employees of different age groups.
To study about the effects of stress on employees in BANKING INDUSTRY.
To identify the coping strategies to manage stress.
 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

In spite of the precautions, vigilance and scrupulousness taken by the investigator to

make the study objective, it cannot be denied that there are certain limitations.

The questionnaires were filled be 30 employees working in various bank. So the

scope of sample findings was less.

The questionnaire was filled by 30 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.)

As the study was done within a limited time, investigator could not select a
sufficiently large sample for the study.

The employees were reluctant to give correct information.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE
 A review on the previous studies on stress among the employees is necessary to
know the areas already covered. This will help to find our new areas uncovered and to
study them in depth. The earlier studies made on stress among the employees are briefly
reviewed here.

The research study of Jamal. M* finds that job stressors were significantly related
to employees psychosomatic problems, job satisfaction, unproductive time at the job,
and absenteeism. Type A behaviour was found to be an important moderator of the stress
outcome relationship.

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 of whether the situation was positive or
negative.

The most 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 is able to
mobilize. In short, it's what we feel when we think we've lost control of events.
Brief. A. P. and J. M. Atieh*, argues that it is not safe to assume that job
conditions that have an adverse impact on affective reactions to the job will also have a
negative impact on overall subjective well-being.

Fienmann views stress as a psychological response state of negative effect

characterized by a persistent and a high level of experienced anxiety or tension.

* Jamal M. Job stress-prone Type A behaviour, personal and organizational

consequences, Canadian Journal Administration Sciences, 1985. pp 360-74.

* A. P and J. M. Atieh, Studying job stress: Are we making mountains out of molehills?
Journal of occupational behavior, 1987 pp115-26.

Hans Seyle, the endocrinologist, whose research on General Adaptation

Syndrome (GAS), for the first time, revealed how human beings adapt themselves to
emotional strives and strains in their lives. According to him emotional stress occurs in
three important stages. 1. Alarm reaction stage 2. Resistance stage 3. Exhaustion stage.

Alarm reaction is caused by physical or psychological stressors. Resistances are

brought about by ACTH hormone of the body. Exhaustion follows when ACTH dwindles
as a result of continual stress. (ACTH-Aprinocorticotropic)

According to Stephen .P. Robbins*, stress related headaches are the leading cause
of loss of work time in U. S. industry.

Cooper and Marshall* visualize stress as characteristics of both the focal

individual and his environment. They designate the internal and external consultive
forces as pressures or stressors and the resulting stalk of the organism on stress.

Recent research into the interaction between the mind and body show that we may
place our body on stress alert quite unconsciously, because of our psychological and
emotional attitudes to stress. Anticipatory emotions like impatience, anxiety, and anger
can produce the same nerve impulses and chemical reactions as being faced with a
concrete challenge. So when faced with a stressful situation, we must either use up the
energy created by the body to challenge or learn how to turn off, the response using a
conscious relaxation technique.

*Stephen Robbins, Organizational Behavior, Prentice Hall, U.K, 1989 pp 499-501.

*Cooper. C. L. and Marshall. J, Understanding Executive Stress, The McMillan Press
Ltd, 1978 p 4.

WHAT IS STRESS?
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 at or near their maximum. Similarly, many professionals see the
pressures 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 the case of bank employees. The bank 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 have to face the problem of stress. Due to recession the banking sector is also facing
the problem of employee cut-offs and so the work load of the existing employees
increases and the feel stressed.

Stress refers to the strain from the conflict between our external environment and us,
leading to emotional and physical pressure. In our fast paced 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 effectiveness and efficiency.

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 be seen as a motivating force, it is
important to manage stress levels so that 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 the form of 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
stomachaches.

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 a 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 the boss, 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 such as the death of a 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 advantages. In order to do so, we must learn to
tell when we have crossed the line from positive to negative stress.
STRESS AND DECISIONMAKING, PERCEPTION, AND COGNITION
Stress can affect an individuals decision making process and ability to make effective
judgments. For example, Easterbrook proposes a cue utilization model and argues that
when exposed to stressors, individuals experience perceptual narrowing meaning
that they pay attention to fewer perceptual cues or stimuli that could contribute to their
behaviour or decision. Peripheral stimuli are likely to be the first to be screened out or
ignored. Decision making models proposed by Janis and Mann support this hypothesis
and suggest that under stress, individuals may make decisions based on incomplete
information. Friedman and Mann suggest that when under conditions of stress,
individuals may fail to consider the full range of alternatives available, ignore long-term
consequences, and make decisions based on oversimplifying assumptions. Furthermore,
the individuals may suffer from performance rigidity as a result of their reduced search
behaviour and reliance on fewer perceptual cues to make decisions. Research on decision
making under stress supports these theoretical models. Observe the decision making
processes of individuals under time pressure. We find that individuals under time pressure
tend to focus their attention only on a few salient cues. Larsen finds that, like other types
of stressors, sleep deprivation can reduce an individuals ability to reason, to analyze
complex situations, and to make effective decisions.

Sleep-deprived (stressed) individuals in his study were more likely to obey orders without
thinking and to ignore cues that implied the presence of something unusual. Stress can
also contribute to performance decrements by slowing cognition and individual
information processing. Stress can be looked at as a form of task overload (e.g., asking
an individual to perform more than one task under a time constraint) and it is seen that
the addition of multiple required tasks reduces the quality of individual performance and
increases the magnitude of the performance decrement as compared with the case in
which the individual has only one task to perform.

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 plaguing 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 of the body's 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 don't get relaxing and soothing situations without
asking. To be relaxed we have to strive to create such situations.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF STRESSORS

As mentioned previously, stressors can come in a variety of forms, including extreme

heat or lighting, lack of sleep, risk of injury or death, or time pressure. The description of
stressors and their impact on behaviour is an open-ended task, and current research
considers an increasing number of events and conditions to be stressors. Although
stressors can be
physical (biological or chemical demands on the body) or
cognitive (threat of death, personal assault)
in form, they are always external and produce similar physiological responses within the
body. These physiological effects, defined as a stress response, can include increased
blood pressure, dilated pupils and increased heart rate.

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 causes 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 spells,
tight muscles or various body 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
one's will.

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 encompass 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 may 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 today's 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-quarters of employees believe the worker has more on-the-
job stress than a generation ago. Evidence also suggests that 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
increases 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 illnesses.

CAUSES OF WORKPLACE STRESS

Job stress results from the interaction of the worker and the conditions of work. Views
differ on the importance of worker characteristics versus working conditions as the
primary cause of job stress. The differing viewpoints suggest different ways to prevent
stress at work. According to one school of thought, differences 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 viewpoint leads to prevention
strategies that focus on workers and ways to help them cope with demanding job
conditions. Although the importance of individual differences cannot be ignored,
scientific evidence suggests that certain working conditions are stressful to most people.
Such evidence argues for a greater emphasis on working conditions as 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 factors for job
stress, were conducted in Member States of the European Union in 1990, 1995, and 2000.
Results showed a trend across these periods suggestive of increasing work intensity. In
1990, the percentage of workers reporting that they worked at high speeds at least one-
fourth 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 one-fourth
of their working time in 1990, increasing to 56% in 1995 and 60 % in 2000. However, no
change was noted in the period 19952000 (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 the Department of Labor, there has been an upward trend in hours worked among
employed women, an increase 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 on 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 accumulating to suggest that stress plays an
important role in several types of chronic health problems-especially cardiovascular
disease, 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 workload is in line with workers' capabilities and resources.

Design jobs to provide meaning, stimulation, and opportunities for workers to use
their skills.

Clearly define workers' roles and responsibilities.

Give workers opportunities to participate 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) changes in hospital policies and procedures
to reduce organizational sources of stress, and (3) establishment of employee assistance
programs. In one study, the frequency of medication 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 claims in a matched group of 22 hospitals
that did not implement stress prevention activities.
COPING WITH STRESS AT WORK PLACE

With the rapid advancement of technology, the stresses faced at work have also increased.
Many people dread going to 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
psychological and physical 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 professionals on ways to increase connectedness and motivation
of their employees.

Some companies organize parties and make their employees feel valued at work. These
are measures to motivate employees and help them to feel secure at their jobs, translating
into greater productivity. However, not all companies have such measures in place, and
some have not gotten it quite right. Hence, it is up to you to make sure that you can cope
with stress at your workplace, and use it to help you work 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 you are facing rising levels of stress, tipping the scales
from positive to negative. This is important, as being 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 reactions, such as excessive sweating or heart palpitations, or the onset of
headaches, irritability or the need to escape. If you experience any of these reactions,
identify if you are feeling any overwhelming negative emotions, and if you are constantly
worried.

Step 2: Identify the Cause

You need to be able to analyze the situation and identify what is causing the rise in stress.
These stressors can be external and internal. External stressors refer to things beyond
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 when a
combination of stressors working together exceeds our ability to cope.

Keep a diary or a 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, we can change the way that we cope with it.

Step 3: Coping with Stress

In order to deal with the situation that is causing you stress, you need to calm your mind
and body so as to stave off the reactions and cope with it in a positive way. This can be
through different methods, such as taking 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 thought process until you are able to deal
with it logically.

The key to making these 3 steps work for you is to practice them. These are not
instantaneous solutions, and you need to condition your mind and practice them so that
you can implement it when you are feeling stressed.
REDUCING STRESS
1. Job analysis:

We have all experienced that appalling sense of having far too much work to do and too
little time to do it in. We can choose to ignore this, and work unreasonably 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 these 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 the action-oriented skills that we look at is Job Analysis. Job Analysis is a key
technique for managing job overload an important 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, fast-moving, high-pressure role, it is
oftentimes something that is easy to overlook.

By understanding the priorities in your job, and 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 from 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 heart of what you need to do.

2. Rational & positive thinking:

You are thinking negatively when you fear the future, put yourself down, criticize
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 out 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 you're 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 Diary. When you analyze your diary 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 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 unaware 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:

Feelings 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, you've done as much as you can to give a good performance.

Worries about performance during rehearsal: If some of your practice was less
than perfect, then remind yourself that the purpose of the practice is to identify
areas for 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 people's 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.
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 don't just reflect a lack of experience, which everyone has to go through at
some stage.

Positive Thinking & 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 damage that negative thinking
may have done to your self-confidence.

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 people's reaction: "Fair people will react well to a good
performance. I will rise above any unfair criticism in a mature and professional
way."
Make sure that identifying these opportunities and focusing on them is part of your
positive thinking.

3. LAUGHTER

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 that the experience of laughter lowers serum cortical
levels, increases the amount and activity of T lymphocytesthe 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 especially for those who are unable to perform
physical exercise.
Reduces stress hormones (studies shows, laughter induces reduction of at least four of
neuroendocrine hormonesepinephrine, cortical, dopac, and growth hormone, associated
with stress response).
Laughter cleanses the lungs and body tissues of accumulated stale air as it empties more
air than it takes 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 endorphinsbody's natural painkillers.
Produces a general sense of well-being.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research is defined as human activity based on intellectual application in the
investigation of matter. The primary purpose for applied research is discovering,
interpreting, and the development of methods and systems for the advancement of human
knowledge on a wide variety of scientific matters of our world and the universe. Research
can use the scientific method, but need not do so.
Research methodology is a way to systematically solve the research problem. The
research methodology in the present study deals with research design, data collection
methods, sampling methods, survey, analysis and interpretations.

APPROACHES TO RESEARCH

Descriptive approach is one of the most popular approaches these days. In this approach,
a problem is described by the researcher by using questionnaire or schedule. This
approach enables a researcher to explore new areas of investigation.

RESEARCH DESIGN

A research design is the arrangement of conditions for collection and analysis of data in a
manner that aims to combine relevance to the research purpose with economy in
procedure.

A well structured questionnaire is framed.

Data is collected from the employees in the BANKING INDUSTRY.
Findings are made and necessary suggestions and recommendations are given.

DATA SOURCES

There are two types of data collection namely primary data collection and secondary data
collection.

PRIMARY DATA

The primary data is defined as the data, which is collected for the first time and fresh in
nature, and happen to be original in character through field survey.

SECONDARY DATA

The secondary data are those which have already been collected by someone else and
have been passed through statistical process.

DATA COLLECTION METHOD

The data collection method used in this research is questionnaire method. Here the data
are systematically recorded from the respondents.

RESEARCH TOOL

A structured questionnaire has been prepared to get the relevant information from the
respondents. The questionnaire consists of a variety of questions presented to the
respondents for their despondence.

SAMPLING

Sampling is that part of statistical practice concerned with the selection of individual
observations intended to yield some knowledge about a population of concern, especially
for the purposes of statistical inference. Each observation measures one or more
properties (weight, location, etc.) of an observable entity enumerated to distinguish
objects or individuals. Survey weights often need to be applied to the data to adjust for
the sample design. Results from probability theory and statistical theory are employed to
guide practice.
SAMPLE UNIT

The employees of the BANKING INDUSTRY are the sample unit in the survey.

SAMPLE SIZE

The sample size chosen for this study is 30 as instructed by the department since it is a
MINI RESEARCH PROJECT.

SAMPLING METHOD

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.
In this research, the sampling methods used are Random sampling, Convenience sampling
and Snowball sampling

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.

Judgment sampling is a common non-probability method. The researcher

selects the sample based on judgment. This is usually an 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.

Snowball sampling is a special non-probability method used when the

desired sample characteristic is rare. 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.

STATISTICAL METHODS USED

Percentage analysis
Pie diagrams

PERCENTAGE ANALYSIS:

Percentage refers to a special kind of ratio. Percentages are used in making comparison
between two or more series of data. Percentage is used to describe relative terms the
distribution of two or more series of data.

No. of Respondents
Percentage of Respondents = ------------------------ X 100

Total Respondents
 DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE
1.AGE PROFILE OF RESPONDENTS
TABLE 1
AGE
 Frequency Percent

Valid 25 30 6 20.0

30 35 14 46.7

35 40 10 33.3

Total 30 100.0

INFERENCE:

Maximum respondents were in the age group of 30 35.

2.GENDER PROFILE OF THE RESPONDENTS

TABLE 2
GENDER

Frequency Percent

Valid MALE 15 50.0

FEMALE 15 50.0

Total 30 100.0

INFERENCE:
There are equal number of male & female respondents.

3.WORK EXPERIENCE OF RESPONDENTS

TABLE 3
EXPERIENCE

Frequency Percent

Valid < 5 YEARS 9 30.0

5 - 10 YEARS 17 56.7

> 10 YEARS 4 13.3

 Total 30 100.0

INFERENCE:
More than 50% of the respondents had a work experience of about 5 10 years.

4.EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION OF RESPONDENTS

TABLE 4
QUALIFICATION

Frequency Percent

Valid UG 21 70.0

PG 9 30.0

Total 30 100.0

INFERENCE:
70% of the respondents are PG qualified with an MBA or equivalent degree.

Q1. Do you suffer with difficulty in sleeping?

TABLE 1.1
RESPONDENTS WITH DIFFICULTY IN SLEEPING

Frequency Percent

Valid NOT AT AL 8 26.7

RARELY 8 26.7

SOMETIMES 7 23.3

OFTEN 5 16.7

VERY OFTEN 2 6.7

 Total 30 100.0

INFERENCE:
From the above table, it is understood that 26.7% of the employees rarely have any
trouble in sleeping ,23.3% find it difficult sometimes ,16.7% face the problem very often
and 6.7% of the employees find extreme difficulty in sleeping.
Therefore, it is observed that for most parts,the employees do not have any problems with
sleeping.

Q2. Do you find it difficult to concentrate?

TABLE1.2
RESPONDENTS WITH DIFFICULTY IN
CONCENTRATING

Frequency Percent

Valid NOT AT ALL 5 16.7

RARELY 11 36.7

SOMETIMES 10 33.3

OFTEN 4 13.3

Total 30 100.0

INFERENCE:
It is clear that 16.7% of the employees have absolutely no difficulty in
concentrating,36.7% of them rarely have a problem ,33.3% sometimes and only a small
group of 13.3% find it difficult to concentrate at work.
Therefore, it can be said that mostly the employees have no trouble in concentrating at
work.
Q3. Do financial problems get you down?
TABLE 1.3
RESPONDANTS WITH FINANCIAL PROBLEMS
 Frequency Percent

Valid NOT AT ALL 10 33.3

SOMETIMES 12 40.0

OFTEN 8 26.7

Total 30 100.0

INFERENCE:
The table shows that, 40% of the employees feel that financial problems put them down
sometimes, 30% felt that it did not affect them at all and 26.7% of them felt that very
often it caused them problems. Therefore, it is identified that financial trouble does put
down people sometimes.

Q4. Do you find yourself 'self-medicating' with additional alcohol,

nicotine or other substances?

Table 1.4
RESPONDENTS AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Frequency Percent

Valid NOT AT ALL 7 23.3

RARELY 3 10.0

SOMETIMES 5 16.7

OFTEN 8 26.7

VERY OFTEN 7 23.3

Total 30 100.0

INFERENCE:
This table indicates that 26.7% of the employees self medicate quite often, 23.3%
resort to alcoholism etc very frequently to relieve stress while 23.3% of them do not
resort to substance abuse at all . It shows that most employees give into excessive
alcoholism or some other forms of self medication most times to reduce stress
Q5. Do you get angry quickly?
TABLE 1.5
RESPONDENTS AND FREQUENCY OF ANGER

Frequency Percent

Valid NOT AT ALL 10 33.3

SOMETIMES 12 40.0

VERY OFTEN 8 26.7

Total 30 100.0

INFERENCE:
40% of the employees claim that they sometimes get angry often while 33.3% feel that
they do not get angry very often. Also 26.7% of them say that they get very angry most of
the time.
Therefore, it is inferred that most of the employees are relatively calm and get angry only
sometimes.

Q6. Do you find you are prone to negative thinking about your job?

TABLE 1.6
RESPONDENTS WITH JOB PESSIMISM

Frequency Percent

Valid NOT AT AL 10 33.3

RARELY 13 43.3

SOMETIMES 7 23.3

Total 30 100.0

INFERENCE:
The table clearly shows that the employees have no negative thoughts about their job
since 40% of them feel that it happens only rarely and 33.3.% say that it never happens.
Therefore, the rate of job pessimism or negative thinking about ones job is very low.
Q7. When you have been ill with relatively minor illnesses, does it take you a
long time to recover?

Table 1.7
RESPONDENTS WITH SLOW RECOVERY DURING ILLNESS

Frequency Percent

Valid NOT AT ALL 11 36.7

RARELY 11 36.7

SOMETIMES 8 26.7

Total 30 100.0

INFERENCE:
From the table, it is seen that most of the employees (36.7%) recuperate pretty quickly
from an illness while only 26.7% of them say that sometimes a long slow recovery period
is taken.
It is inferred that most of the employees get back to their feet pretty soon after an illness
and do not stay in bed for excessive periods of time.

Q8. Do you feel you are isolated, with no-one to talk to?
TABLE 1.8
RESPONDENTS WHO FEEL ISOLATED

Frequency Percent

Valid NOT AT ALL 14 46.7

RARELY 10 33.3

SOMETIMES 6 20.0

Total 30 100.0

INFERENCE:
This table shows that majority of the people do not feel isolated or lonely. 46.7% of them
do not feel any isolation while 33.3% say it happens rarely.
Therfore,it is seen that most of the employees have someone to talk to and relate with and
are not isolated or alone.
Q9. Do you feel out of control and as if you're not in the driving seat of
your life and health?
TABLE1.9
RESPONDENTS WITH NO CONTROL OF LIFE

Frequency Percent

Valid RARELY 12 40.0

SOMETIMES 12 40.0

OFTEN 6 20.0

Total 30 100.0

INFERENCE:
This table shows that most of the employees have control of their lives and are in the
driving seat of their own lives while only 20% felt that they are being controlled by
others and not themselves.

Q10. Do you 'snack' instead of eating 'wholesome' meals?

TABLE 1.10
RESPONDENTS WITH BAD EATING HABITS

Frequency Percent

Valid SOMETIMES 9 30.0

OFTEN 12 40.0

VERY OFTEN 9 30.0

Total 30 100.0

INFERENCE:
The values in the table clearly indicate that all the employees indulge in snacking rather
than in consumption of wholesome nutritious meals due heavy work pressure ,time
constraints and job demands.

Q11. When conflict arises at work or at home, do you tend to

over-react?
TABLE 1.11
 RESPONDENTS WHO OVER REACT TO
CONFLICTS

Frequency Percent

Valid NOT AT ALL 9 30.0

RARELY 13 43.3

SOMETIMES 8 26.7

Total 30 100.0

INFERENCE:
It is seen that most people do not over react to conflicts either at home or at work. Only
26.7% of them tend to over react in some situations.

Q12. Do you feel that there is more work to do than you

realistically have the capacity to do?
TABLE 1.12
RESPONDENTS WHOSE WORK EXCEEDS
ONE'S CAPACITY

Frequency Percent

Valid RARELY 2 6.7

SOMETIMES 11 36.7

OFTEN 12 40.0

VERY OFTEN 5 16.7

Total 30 100.0

:
INFERENCE:
The table shows that most of the employees feel that their job demands and requires more
than what they are actually capable of doing. In most cases, their workload exceeds their
capacity. Only a small group (6.7%) felt that it was not so.

Q13. Do you feel caught between the pressures of responsibility

for family and work life?
TABLE 1.13
RESPONDENTS CAUGHT BETWEEN FAMILY
AND WORK PRESSURE

Frequency Percent

Valid NOT AT ALL 3 10.0

RARELY 5 16.7

SOMETIMES 14 46.7

OFTEN 6 20.0

VERY OFTEN 2 6.7

Total 30 100.0

INFERENCE:
From the table it is seen that 46.7% of the employees feel that sometimes they are trapped
between the pressures of home and work ,20% feel caught often and 16.7% felt that it
happened very rarely.

Q14. Do you feel under par at the beginning of the day?

TABLE 1.14
RESPONDENTS WHO FEEL UNDER - PAR AT
THE BEGINNING OF A WORK DAY

Frequency Percent

Valid NOT AT ALL 4 13.3

RARELY 16 53.3

SOMETIMES 8 26.7

OFTEN 1 3.3

VERY OFTEN 1 3.3

Total 30 100.0

INFERENCE:
The table clearly shows that 53.3% of the employees rarely feel under-par even at the
beginning of a working day and only a handful of employees (3.3%) actually feel under-
par on working days.
Q15. Do you shy away from social contact with colleagues and
friends?
TABLE 1.15
RESPONDENTS WHO SHY AWAY FROM
SOCIAL CONTACT WITH COLLEAGUES

Frequency Percent

Valid NOT AT ALL 18 60.0

RARELY 9 30.0

SOMETIMES 3 10.0

Total 30 100.0

INFERENCE :
It clearly shows that majority of the employees are actively sociable and do not shy away
from social contact especially with colleagues.

Q16. Do other people comment on your not taking care of your

appearance?
TABLE 1.16
RESPONDENTS WHOSE APPEARANCES ARE
COMMENTED UPON

Frequency Percent

Valid NOT AT ALL 16 53.3

RARELY 12 40.0
SOMETIMES 1 3.3

OFTEN 1 3.3

Total 30 100.0

INFERENCE:
From the table and the pie chart, it is clearly understood that most of the employees are
well dressed and maintain a certain level of grooming and therefore are not commented
upon for shabby appearances by their colleagues.

Q17. Do you claim you have no time for hobbies and interests?
TABLE 1.17
RESPONDENTS WITH NO TIME FOR
THEMSELVES

Frequency Percent

Valid NOT AT ALL 1 3.3

RARELY 1 3.3

SOMETIMES 11 36.7

OFTEN 10 33.3

VERY OFTEN 7 23.3

Total 30 100.0

INFERENCE:
The pie chart and table values clearly indicate that most of the employees are so busy and
caught up with work pressure that they barely have any time for themselves. They have
almost no time for their hobbies and self interests.
Q18. Do you feel misunderstood or unappreciated by your
colleagues, friends or family members?
TABLE 1.18
RESPONDENTS WHO FEEL MISUNDERSTOOD/
UNAPPRECIATED BY OTHERS

Frequency Percent

Valid NOT AT AL 17 56.7

RARELY 7 23.3

SOMETIMES 6 20.0
Total 30 100.0

INFERENCE:
Here again, most of the employees are satisfied and not misunderstood or unappreciated
by their colleagues or family members. Only 20% feel that at certain times they are
misunderstood.
Q19. Do you feel you have to be the 'coper' for the family or for
colleagues, with no option for seeking support for yourself?

TABLE 1.19
 RESPONDENTS WHO ARE COPERS FOR
FAMILY/ COLLEAGUES WITH NO SUPPORT
FOR THEMSELVES

Frequency Percent

Valid NOT AT ALL 1 3.3

RARELY 12 40.0

SOMETIMES 12 40.0

OFTEN 5 16.7

Total 30 100.0

INFERENCE:
Here there are 2 strong groups- one group(40%) feel that very rarely do they have to be
copers for everyone else with no support for themselves while the other group also of
40% feel that sometimes they have no one to seek support from.

Q20. Would you take a sick day, not because you feel ill but
overwhelmed, just to keep your 'head above water'
emotionally, mentally and physically?
TABLE 1.20
RESPONDENTS WHO TAKE A DAY OFF JUST TO
RECUPERATE EMOTIONALLY, MENTYALLY &
PHYSICALLY

Frequency Percent

Valid NOT AT ALL 6 20.0

RARELY 1 3.3

SOMETIMES 12 40.0

OFTEN 10 33.3

VERY OFTEN 1 3.3

Total 30 100.0

INFERENCE:
The chart and table indicate that many employees call in a sick day at work not because
they are really sick but because they are too overwhelmed and need time to recuperate
physically,mentally and emotionally.

FINDINGS

Most of the respondents have many years of long association with the
organisation

Most of the employees feel that they have no time for themselves and
their personal lives because of work overload.

The respondents are sociable and have no problems interacting with

their colleagues.

Employees are satisfied with the working conditions.

Role overload is the major cause of stress.

The respondents face a moderate level of stress

SUGGESTIONS

The employees must give importance to time management techniques there by

 they can complete their work within the specified time.
Many tasks can be delegated to subordinates without losing effectiveness so that
we can reduce the overload of work.
Introduce Flexi time
Organisations must introduce recreational zones within the premises for the
employees to unwind.
Adopt the work to home transition strategy. It means instead of carrying the
pressures of the work to home, the suggestion is to start the unwinding process
during the work day and enter the home in a relaxed and peaceful mind.
Counseling the employees when they face problems, because counseling is the
discussion of a problem that usually has emotional content with an employee in
order to help the employee cope better.
The organization must introduce Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) and
stress control workshops accordingly to the level of employees, because there is a
strong relation between the level of stress and level of employees. EAP includes
counseling employees who seek assistance on how to deal with alcohol and drug
abuse, managing personal finances, handling conflicts at the work place, dealing
with marital and other family problems, and coping with health problems.
Engaging the bored employee in aerobic exercise, because it stimulates the brain
and the body. Also the employee must practice meditation and yoga regularly.

EMPLOYEES SUGGESTION TO REDUCE STRESS

This project consists of the information about the employees, working in the banking
industry, who are undergoing stress. So considering this factor, the topic becomes one of
the most important part of the project as it consists of the opinion of the employees who
work in the banks. The response of employees from major banks in the city was
marvellous as they gave their valuable opinion about reducing stress as a result of the last
question included in the questionnaire. The opinion of the employees were as follows:

Just smile away An employee- HDFC Bank

Just believe in yourself and just do what your heart wants An employee-
HDFC Bank
-Talking to family member - Watching TV or listening good music, - Going for
a walk or long drive An employee- HDFC Bank
Believe in God An employee- Bank of Baroda
 Respect yourself and give time to yourself An employee- CitiBank
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- CitiBank
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- ICICI Bank
Play and watch cricket An employee- ICICI Bank
Listen music and spend time with family An employee- Deutsche Bank
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-
Deutsche Bank

CONCLUSION

Stress in the work place has become the black plague of the present century. Much of the
stress at work is caused not only by work overload and time pressure but also by lack of
rewards and praise, and more importantly, by not providing individuals with the
autonomy to do their work as they would like.
 Organization must begin to manage people at work differently,improve physical work
environment, treat them with respect and value their contribution. If we enhance the
psychological well being and health of the employees,the organizational revenue
increases and there is employee retention as well.. Because it is said that,

A Healthy Employee is a Productive Employee

BIBLIOGRAPHY

BOOKS

Jamal M. Job stress-prone Type A behaviour, personal and organizational

consequences, Canadian Journal Administration Sciences, 1985. pp 360-74.

A. P and J. M. Atieh, Studying job stress: Are we making mountains out of

 molehills? Journal of occupational behavior, 1987 pp115-26.

PaulHersey, Kenneth H. Blanchard, Dewey E. Johnson Organizational Behavior,

Prentice Hall of India Pvt. Ltd, 1998.
Stephen P. Robbins, Organizational Behavior, Prentice Hall, U .K. 1999.
Cooper. C. L. and Marshall. J, Understanding Executive Stress, The McMillan
Press Ltd, 1978 p 4.

K. Aswathappa, Organizational Behavior,Himalaya Publishing House

WEBSITES

http://www.lifepositive.com/Mind/psychology/stress/stress.asp
http://helpguide.org/mental/stress_signs.htm
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/stress_management_relief_coping.htm
http://stress.about.com/
http://www.studygs.net/stress.htm
www.wikipedia.com
www.finance.indiamart.com
 QUESTIONNAIRE

NAME: AGE:

GENDER: QUALIFICATION:

1 Do you suffer with difficulty in sleeping?

a. Not at all b. Rarely c. Sometimes d. Often

e. Very Often

2 Do you find it difficult to concentrate?

 a. Not at all b. Rarely c. Sometimes d. Often
e. Very Often

3 Do financial problems get you down?

a. Not at all b. Rarely c. Sometimes d. Often

e. Very Often

4 Do you find yourself 'self-medicating' with additional alcoho

or other substances?

a. Not at all b. Rarely c. Sometimes d. Often

e. Very Often

\ 5 Do you get angry quickly?

a. Not at all b. Rarely c. Sometimes d. Often

e. Very Often

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

a. Not at all b. Rarely c. Sometimes d. Often

e. Very Often

When you have been ill with relatively minor illnesses, does it take you
7
to recover?

a. Not at all b. Rarely c. Sometimes d. Often

e. Very Often

8 Do you feel you are isolated, with no one to talk to?

a. Not at all b. Rarely c. Sometimes d. Often

e. Very Often
 Do you feel out of control, as if you are not in the driving seat of your li
9
health?

a. Not at all b. Rarely c. Sometimes d. Often

e. Very Often

10 Do you snack instead of eating wholesome meals?

a. Not at all b. Rarely c. Sometimes d. Often

e. Very Often

11 When conflict arises at work or at home, do you tend to over-react?

a. Not at all b. Rarely c. Sometimes d. Often

e. Very Often

Do you feel that there is more work to do than you realistically have th
12
do?

a. Not at all b. Rarely c. Sometimes d. Often

e. Very Often

13 Do you feel caught between the pressures of responsibility for family an

a. Not at all b. Rarely c. Sometimes d. Often

e. Very Often

14 Do you feel 'under par' even at the beginning of a working day?

a. Not at all b. Rarely c. Sometimes d. Often

e. Very Often

15 Do you shy away from social contact with colleagues and friends?
 a. Not at all b. Rarely c. Sometimes d. Often
e. Very Often

16 Do other people comment on your not taking care of your appearance?

a. Not at all b. Rarely c. Sometimes d. Often

e. Very Often

17 Do you claim you have no time for hobbies and interests?

a. Not at all b. Rarely c. Sometimes d. Often

e. Very Often

Do you feel misunderstood or unappreciated by your colleagues, friend

18
members?

a. Not at all b. Rarely c. Sometimes d. Often

e. Very Often

Do you feel you have to be the coper for your family or colleagues wi
19
for seeking support for yourself?

a. Not at all b. Rarely c. Sometimes d. Often

e. Very Often

Would you take a sick day not because you feel ill but overwhelmed, ju
20
your head above water emotionally, mentally & physically?

a. Not at all b. Rarely c. Sometimes d. Often

e. Very Often

21 Kindly give us your suggestions, if any, to manage stress _____________