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Ten: Group Cohesiveness

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Closeness in a work group is called cohesiveness. It is the tendency to stick together. Working with a group that is close and unified is less stressful than working in a group that is fragmented and unfocused. If there is little cohesion you feel more alone and isolated. When there is more closeness there is more support and that is a significant fact in reducing stress. If the group is unified in purpose there will be less uncertainty and unpredictability, both of which produce stress. To reduce stress try these things:

Assess carefully the level of cohesiveness in your work setting. Rate it on a scale from zero to ten.
If high, you can depend on the group to reduce stress. Be sure to make your contribution to cohesiveness.
If low, work more on your own personal stress program while trying to promote activities that create closeness inside and outside work. Take people to lunch. Help organize activities outside work.