HR has noticed that many of the secretaries at a certain company are dealing with feelings of isolation and loneliness. Changes brought about by New World of Work have resulted in a signifcant reduction in social contacts. It is hard to talk to supervisors face-to-face, and people taking part in fewer team building-activities. Te managers now set their own calendars, making it that much harder for their secretaries to schedule meetings with customers and other relations. Tis is a cause of frequent issues. Many secretaries are unwilling or unable to address these issues publicly.

Tey want to preserve what little positive atmosphere remains. And because of the lack of good mutual contact, each of them feels as though they are the only one dealing with these problems.

a Which types of stress are the secretaries dealing with?
b Which style of confict management are the secretaries using?
c Which individual diferences in stress management can be expected to exist between secretaries?
d Which approach would you recommend to reduce individual stress?
e Which organisational approach would be suitable to reduce stress? Would you make use of a mediator?