Reducing stress by increasing control

The concept of having control over your work has long been viewed as an essential part of human motivation and is linked with the idea that individuals seek to master their environments and to be effective in producing change. Over the past decade, the notion of control also has become an important factor in helping to alleviate job-related stress. Considerable evidence exists to suggest that workers actually might have improved physical and mental health and be more productive under stressful conditions if they possess the requisite level of control.