My Company

My Company

Introduction

Everyday two billion people use Unilever products around the world. These products help them to look good, feel good, and facilitate everyday life. With over 400 brands, Unilever touches many people's lives. The company manufactures health care, home-care and, food products (Wilson, 1970). Axe, Dove, Lux, Lipton, Knorr, Hellmaan's, TIGI etc. are some of the famous brands in USA. Unilever was established in 1890. Since it was established, Unilever has engaged in corporate social responsibility. 167000 employees work at Unilever in different 22 regions and nationalities.

However, catering to such a wide range of consumers around the world at the same time being a market leader in a number of different segments such as home care, health care and food products does have its undesirable effects as well. One of such effect includes work stress amongst employee

Stressors faced by employees

Work stress is recognized as one of the major challenges faced by the employees globally

It can be defined as the response displayed by employees when presented with a series of work demands and pressures that not only is a misfit for their knowledge and abilities but at the same time it also challenges their ability to cope. (Inc.com 2012)

The likelihood of some of the key stressors that might be encountered by the employees of Unilever may include:

Organizational Factors:

As organizations tend to grow with time, they eventually leading to a massive increase in complexity, work load and working hours, less centralization, delegation of authority, and more work stress. Such organizational factors hence lead to stress amongst employees provoking concerns such as absenteeism, deterioration in the level of performance, late arrivals or early leaves, escaping work responsibilities, increase in errors and at times even irritation or anxiety. (management study guide, 2008)

As a CEO of Unilever, two of the most lucrative ways of reducing organizational stressor within our company includes:

Unilever could try to improve its working environment and work on its ambiance. Instead of looking like a dark gloomy cubical, it should ensure that there is sufficient lighting and air within the area or around the work desk. The furniture being used should also be sterile and comfortable enough to work on. Moreover the noise level should be monitored and noise pollution should be as minimal as possible. (Inc.com 2012) Additionally, the workload must be periodically evaluated and cross-checked against the employees' abilities. There could also be allowance for frequent tea or cigarette break. All this would indeed bring a positive energy within the work place along with revitalized and motivated employees that are free from stress.

Another thing that Unilever could do is to promote healthy lines of communication and maintain an open door policy. Regular face-to-face meeting or any other open communication forum gives emotional comfort to employees, giving them a sense of belonging. (Inc.com 2012)

Work team and group behavior development

Work Team refers to a group of people working together willingly or unwillingly in order to achieve a common goal. With a brand like Unilever, team building and management is an integral ...