Albrecht’s four types of stress is a basic model of understanding the root causes of stress and taking actions specifically aligned to them. What's fascinating is that while it is highly unlikely Dr. Albrecht foresaw some of the particular types of stressors within each category we are contending with in the workplace and in society today, these four models still hold true over forty years later.

Unfortunately, the model itself only really considers responses the individual can take themselves in relation to stressful events in both their personal and professional lives. Sometimes these reactions can cause ethical conduct to occur in reaction to workplace stressors. When addressing the adverse impacts of workplace stress, leaders must also be accountable for their harmful behaviors as well as those of all employees and stakeholders, and antiquated stress-inducing cultural norms and operational/policy issues must be reviewed with corrective actions taken.