The story of a flight attendant - Stress management for flight attendants

Aim

• Practice English skills in an aviation context
• Improve vocabulary while learning stress management tips (difficult)
• Have fun!

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.

Link to article Raging flight attendant makes his own emergency exit

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.

Another article that follows suggests that a public image at odds with the actual role of cabin crew is partly to blame for stress levels among flight attendants.

Link to article Sky Stress

And this next article discusses how home and personal stresses can have an impact on a flight attendant’s stress levels at work.

Link to article Fight or Flight : The Effects of Work Related Stress in the Airline Industry
And in particular in the role of Flight Attendant

Activity

Take the time to read through the articles. 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 one article 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

Find a little more information about pilots schedules, click here!