Date of Conferral

2017

Degree

Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.)

School

Management

Advisor

Carol-Anne Faint

Abstract

Approximately 40% of American workers report their jobs are extremely stressful. Business leaders who fail to address workplace stress increase employee propensity for poor performance, resulting in diminished profits. Grounded in the person-environment fit framework, the purpose of this single case study was to explore strategies 9 insurance industry leaders in Franklin County, Ohio used to mitigate workplace stress. The 9 insurance leaders who participated in the study work closely with staff, have experience working in stressful work environments, and utilize various tools to reduce stress. Data collected from face-to-face interviews and reviews of organizational documentation were useful for the completion of this study. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis, where 5 themes emerged: supportive work environment, improved communications, optimal leadership, increased resources and training, and work-life balance. The study findings exposed strategies insurance leaders could use to mitigate stress, fuel training development, and assist supervisors to recognize stress symptoms, and most importantly, offer or direct employees to services to address symptoms of workplace stress. The findings may prompt business owners to investigate strategies to address their unique situations leading to stress. Business owners might choose initiatives in this study to identify and respond to employees' needs, provide support, and foster environments of tolerance for all employees, thus reducing stress. The implications for positive social change include the potential for business leaders to minimize workplace stress, thereby increasing the propensity for healthier employees, positive career outcomes, and business sustainability.

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