The highly challenging work environment in today's organizations requires its employees to work in constant stress situations like meeting stiff targets, handling multiple tasks, etc. The level of individual stress is an important indicator of employee job satisfaction and motivation at work. Thus, a proper focus on Stress Management has become a prerequisite for long-term stability, growth and success—both for the individual as well as for the organization. This article discusses Stress Management with a modern perspective and covers the needs, means and roles of the organizations and individuals in managing stress today.

The word 'stress' has been defined by the Oxford Dictionary as "a state of affair involving demand on physical or mental energy". A condition or circumstance (not always adverse), which can disturb the normal physiological and psychological functioning of an individual. In general, `stress' is a common phenomenon in our fast paced daily lives. Our professional lives demands meeting stiff targets, deadlines, maintaining strict schedules, adapting to various changes and keeping our performance constantly on the right track. All these create stress. To a certain extent, stress may be helpful in improving our performance and can have a positive effect on us (eustress or positive stress). But if not managed properly, stress can become a chronic problem affecting our physical and mental well-being (distress or negative stress). Studies have shown that most of the diseases are either directly related to stress or are highly affected by the presence of it. Stress weakens our immunity system and our ability to fight back diseases.

The events or conditions in our environment that trigger stress are called `stressors' and our body's reaction to the constant demands from the environment is called 'stress'. Thus, stressors are the cause and stress is the effect. There are two types of stressors, processive stressors or systemic stressors. Processive stressors also known as `fight or flight' reaction. They are body's immediate reactions to sudden threat, challenge or fear like a job interview, business meetings, presentations, etc. In such situations, the pituitary gland releases adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which signals the adrenal glands to release the `stress hormones' adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones increase our focus, mental alertness, strength and energy and are temporarily helpful in enhancing our performance. Systemic stressors are automatic physiological responses to stress, such as the loss of equilibrium (dizziness) or the release of acid that turns and churns our stomach during a stressful situation. Systemic stressors may be released simultaneously along with processive stressors and can cause excessive stress.

Workplace stress has become very common due to changing work environment and working conditions. Ups and downs in the economy, ever-increasing targets and frequent policy changes by employers have increased feelings of uncertainty and insecurity among employees. Some of the causes of workplace stress are: Job insecurity and lack of personal growth or development; high demand for performance; long working hours and unfriendly working conditions; technological changes; environmental uncertainties; workplace culture; personal or family problems; organizational changes like downsizing and restructuring; competition and conflicts.

HRM Review Magazine, Managing Stress in Changing Times, Role of Organizations and Individuals in Creating Workplace Harmony, stress, adrenocorticotropic hormone - ACTH, dizziness, Workplace Stress, Managing Stress at the Organizational Level, Managing Stress at the Individual Level, Stress Hormones, Adrenaline and Cortisol, International Labor Organization - ILO, World Health Organization -WHO, The Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relation - ICRIER, Assocham Business Barometer - ABB, ABB Survey, Kenexa Research Institute, Health Assessment Lifestyle Enrichment -HALE, HALE Infosis, Mitr program - WIPRO, Quality of Work Life - QWL.