By now everyone has heard or read about the flight attendant who made his own emergency exit upon landing, when a bad day at work became too much.
Interestingly, although the flight attendant was arrested and charged, it seems he has become something of a folk hero. Workplace stress is something we can all relate to and the majority of people are reacting with compassion and understanding. Comments on social networking sites and news blogs speak of the particular workplace stresses that flight attendants face along with the increasingly challenging behaviour of passengers.
Link to article Raging flight attendant makes his own emergency exit
Activity
Take the time to read this article. Make a note of new vocabulary as you read. See if you can guess the meaning of the word from the context. After you’ve finished and noted any new words, find the dictionary definition for each one.
Stress management tips for flight attendants
Pre-flight
- Undertake further training or read up on management techniques for difficult passengers
- Establish relaxation techniques that you can call on when you need them
- Ensure you have enough sleep, exercise and good food, and minimise alcohol consumption
In-flight
- Make it a habit every time you wash your hands, to take a moment to slow down, breathe slowly and deeply, and consider your stress levels
- Remind yourself that no matter how difficult a passenger is being, it’s not personal
- If things get to much, excuse yourself and ask another member of staff to step in for you
Post-flight
- Maximise work-shift recovery time with wind-down relaxation techniques and again, enough sleep, exercise and good foods, and minimise alcohol consumption
- If you find yourself replaying stressful incidents, talk to your colleagues or a professional counsellor