“Oxford University Press was keen to implement a proactive pressure management course to help all levels of staff manage pressure more effectively… We have found Milly’s flexible approach provided a perfect balance between theory and practice.”
Liz Grolimund, HR course commissioner – Oxford University Press
Programme Overview
The following programme sets out a suggested agenda for implementing the pressure management courses. Although each of the three courses can exist alone, this systemic approach has proved to be very effective in organisations that would like to bring about deep change concerning areas of pressure and stress. (Click on here to view a full reference from Oxford University Press.)
The suggested agenda is as follows:
- Close collaboration with the organisation to review existing pressure policies and to decide the programme’s content
- One-day courses with staff
- One day courses with a half-day follow-up for supervisors/team leaders/middle manager
- Action Learning sets created for continued cross-departmental peer support (for more information about Action Learning, click on the link above)
- Report feeding back key areas of development around pressure
- Half-day meetings with senior managers/heads of department/managing directors to discuss findings
Staff courses
Course overview
This workshop will provide employees with a clearer understanding of sources of pressure and the skills required to effectively manage their own pressure hotspots.
Who is the course aimed at?
The course is designed for anyone who would like to be equipped with practical problem-solving skills to manage pressure and improve their personal wellbeing.
What will be learnt on the course?
Those attending this course will be able to:
- Define stress and pressure. How are they different?
- Understand their own sources of pressure at work
- Discover practical strategies for managing pressure
- Understand the psychological, interpersonal and physiological impact of stress
- Discover scientifically proven ways to reduce the physiological impact of stress
- Create a personal action plan
- Understand what policies and guidance are in place to help them
Course format
The course takes place over a single day but requires completion of pre-coursework so that areas needing improvement can be identified.
Manager Courses
Course overview
This workshop will provide managers with a better understanding of sources of pressure and the skills required to effectively manage these pressure hotspots for both themselves and their team. The course will also ensure that managers have a good understanding of their role and responsibilities with regard to managing pressure within their teams.
Who is the course aimed at?
This workshop is designed for anyone managing others, including team leaders, supervisors and middle managers, and will equip them with practical skills to proactively manage pressure within their teams and improve the wellbeing of staff.
What will be learnt on the course?
As a result of this course, managers will have:
With regard to themselves:
- A good understanding of the definitions of stress and pressure
- A knowledge of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) six sources of pressure.
- An understanding of how pressure effects performance
- A clear view of their own sources of pressure at work.
- An opportunity to explore psychological, interpersonal and physiological strategies for managing pressure
- The tools to create a personal action plan
With regard to their team:
- The tools to recognise the sources of pressure that may exist within their team
- The ability to identify the signs and symptoms of pressure that is adversely affecting team members
- Effective strategies for discussing sources of pressure and potential solutions with the team and individuals
- An understanding of their legal responsibility with regard to managing pressure, and a knowledge of what policies and guidance the organisation has in place.
- Practice with writing a “pressure management action plan”
Course format
The course takes place over one-and-a-half days and requires completion of pre-coursework so that areas needing improvement can be identified.
Senior Manager Courses
Course overview
This half-day course provides a broad overview of pressure management and organisational policies and procedures. It will also allow feedback of the organisational themes that have arisen during the staff and manager courses.
Who is this course aimed at?
This course is for senior managers and department head and board members who would like to gain an understanding of the pressures their departments are under, and find ways of alleviating them.
What will be learnt on the course?
Those attending this course will be able to:
- Define stress and pressure. How are they different?
- Explore six sources of work based pressure
- Understand how pressure affects performance
- Understand the policies around pressure and stress
- Have an understanding of the general themes that have arisen during pressure management courses and how they affect their department.
Feedback
“Oxford University Press was keen to implement a proactive pressure management course to help all levels of managers and staff manage pressure more effectively. It was particularly important to us that the courses were specific to the Press policies and procedures and also provided delegates with practical tools to use on a day-to-day basis. We found that Milly’s flexible approach provided the perfect balance between theory and practice. Furthermore, Milly was extremely keen to understand the Press culture and embed this into the course.....”
OUP Reference (click here for the full reference)
“Excellent and thought-provoking. I came away with a ream of practical strategies I could immediately implement to great effect. I’ve encouraged my whole team to do this course!” (Senior manager, OUP)
“I have identified my own and my team pressures, and feel prepared and well organised to meet the challenges ahead.”
(Bodleian Library)
“Milly’s email support with thought-provoking questions before both training days really helped me to engage on the course.” (member of staff, OUP)
