Stress leaves its marks on media pros

NEW DELHI: Stress is no more confined to BPOs, IT and IT-enabled sectors. With growing pressure to meet the deadlines, stress and mental fatigue has increased among the top and middle management employees in sectors such as electronic and print media, courier services, shipping and banking.

A survey conducted by industry body Assocham brought out that top 10 sectors where stress currently is most prominent are construction, shipping, banks, government hospitals, star trading houses, electronic and print media, courier companies, small scale industries, retail and card franchise companies.

Some of the factors responsible for high stress level include scheduled time period to meet the targets, high work pressures throughout the year, high expectations, poor working conditions, lack of adequate staff and threat from competitors, says Assocham.

The survey of nearly 200 employees revealed that top executives such as civil engineers, architects, contractors, marketing managers, quality controllers, editors, reporters and copy writers brave stress and take home its adverse impact.

Assocham secretary general D S Rawat said, “Though professionals such as chartered accountants, lawyers, tax consultants and employees in sectors such as automobile, infrastructure and advertising are under heavy stress, they enjoy better working conditions.”

However, the stress level among the employees in ministries, central and state government offices, institutions and bodies funded by central and state governments is very low due to limited working hours, surplus staff and lack of competition.

Therefore, the chamber has suggested that the employers should set up rest rooms where employees can learn relaxation techniques. Activities such as meditation, deep breathing and yoga during working days can act as effective stress busters.