Stress for Success: Professional Women On Overload

According to a recent survey by WorldWIT, an online networking organization of professional women in technology and business and GLS Consulting of Brookline, MA, 63% said their careers sapped them of emotional strength, and 44% said work-related stress has escalated since the September 11th terrorist attacks. Mindy Gerwitz, a principal with GLS Consulting, said the results reflect tensions broadly felt in most workplaces.
?Widespread layoffs have forced many to shoulder a larger workload, and uncertainty about the future is endemic,? she said in a recent interview.

Recognizing the conflicting demands on working women, and looking to improve productivity, companies such as Adobe Systems, Texas Instruments, Verizon Communications and Marriott International have been offering mentoring programs that are specifically tailored to the needs of women executives. In general, companies are devoting larger portions of their human resource budgets to hiring professional coaches?an estimated 25% more than they did five years ago, says Gail E. Aldrich, the senior vice president for member services at the Society for Human Resource Management in Alexandria, VA.

Jean M. Otte is founder and president of Women Unlimited in Manhattan, a firm that creates women?s leadership and mentoring programs for large companies. Her concern is that ?these professional women are not going to be effective leaders if they keep running like hamsters on a wheel: they?re either going to the kids? soccer matches, sending their bosses e-mails at midnight or thinking about doing one or the other.? Over the past year, her client roster has increased by 30 percent.

Women business owners are particularly susceptible to inordinate levels of stress ? and often, the last to address the problem. ?It?s hard to tell an entrepreneur to slow down, particularly in this economy? says Leslie Grossman, co-founder of the Women?s Leadership Exchange. ?When you?re worried about giving employees a paycheck at the end of the week, paying vendors at the end of the month, and trying to show investors a profit at the end of each quarter, it?s tough to take it easy, even when you know you need to regroup.?

But slow down she must, advises Grossman. ?Chronic stress with no relief can translate into reduced productivity, creativity and focus ? the key skills you need to maneuver well in a tough market.? It is why Women?s Leadership Exchange is offering its four-day retreat to the Wyndham El Conquistador Resort?s renowned Golden Door Spa in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, January 8-11, 2004. ?It?s an opportunity for women business owners to connect with one another and take a moment to reduce stress and recharge their batteries for the year to come,? says Grossman.

Attendees can spend their days enjoying the unlimited daily group exercise classes featuring Reebok Programming: Yoga/Pilates, aqua fitness, Yo-Chi, stretch & strength, spinning, power walks?and yes, even stress management. Waterfall Jacuzzi, steam room, state-of-the-art weight and exercise equipment, three beautiful swimming pools, massages and treatments, golf, tennis, and a magnificent beach on a private Caribbean island provide plenty to do?or the right setting to do nothing at all.
Daily workshops on developing communication and intuitive skills, and targeted networking opportunities, will also open new doors for WLE business leaders.

For more information about the WLE Spa Retreat, including details, costs and registration, click here.