Work, and life in general, demands more from people these days. In fact it generally demands more, better and quicker and it can be difficult to maintain good mental health under that sort of pressure. A certain level of stress is healthy: it can help us rise to a challenge and improve our performance. Or it can take a negative toll, leading to a drop in performance, poor motivation and absence amongst other things. As a manager, you can play a key role in stopping the downward slide, and it's easier than you might think. This is a critical aspect of assertive communication to reduce stressful situations. Grab a copy of Dana Tebow's book Assertion: How to Defend Yourself.