Introducing HRM Students to Evidence-Based Stress Management Strategies: A Semester-Long Experiential Assignment

Abstract

Recent trends in Human Resource Management (HRM) regularly name employee stress and well-being as a top issue for organizations to pay attention to in the coming years. Employee well-being is linked to critical organizational outcomes, including performance, productivity, and absenteeism. Given this growing concern, it is critical that HRM students are prepared to implement and evaluate evidence-based stress management strategies in organizations. This paper introduces a semester-long assignment that asks students to engage in a variety of stress management strategies, including mindfulness, relaxation, and exercise. This assignment builds coping and stress management skills along with an understanding of the importance of these skills in the workplace. Students also increase their awareness of the need for organizations, leaders, and HRM practitioners to provide resources necessary for stress management in the workplace. Potential adaptations of the exercise for different audiences or lengths of time are also discussed.