What Workplace Stress Research is Telling Technical Communicators

Author: Primm, Dave

Source: Technical Communication, Volume 52, Number 4, November 2005 , pp. 449-455(7)

Publisher: Society for Technical Communication

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Abstract:

Technical communicators encounter many stresses in their professional lives. Deadlines, overly ambitious projects, and uncooperative subject matter experts can make their work exceptionally stressful. To the communicators, such stress may be so common as to seem benign, but it actually has serious consequences that range from a loss of career fulfillment to severe health problems. This article explains what stress is and how it is generated in the workplace. It also explains the health consequences of stress, and why companies often see stress as the employees’ problem, even as it eats into profits and productivity. Much research has been done on workplace stress in the last two decades, leading to many suggestions on how to reduce it. This article reviews these suggestions, which include everything from exercise programs to cognitive/behavioral training. It also considers the implications of workplace stress research for technical communicators and the communicators’ efforts to get more influence within the workplace.

Document Type: Journal article

Publication date: 2005-11-01

More about this publication?

Technical Communication, the Society's journal, publishes articles about the practical application of technical communication theory and serves as a common arena for discussion by practitioners. Technical Communication includes both quantitative and qualitative research while showcasing the work of some of the field's most noteworthy writers. Among its most popular features are the helpful book reviews. Technical Communication is published quarterly and is free with membership.
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