If you consider the effects of stress upon a human being then you need to be aware that some stress is a good thing. It is the negative stress that causes people to become less effective, perhaps even dropping them into times of anxiety or depression.

Just consider for a moment the typical stages that a new employee goes through.

• Informed - Letter or phone call letting them know they got the job
• Shock - Although they felt confident about the interview the fact still gives a little shock
• Denial - That initial doubt in their mind "Did they really mean to contact me?"
• Turmoil - That first day in the new job. What do I do? Where do I find...? etc.
• The Pits - (usually if no induction plan) The chaos of being left alone raises doubts
• Acceptance - The realisation that now they know what is expected and where everything is they can actually do the job
• Adapting - Matching your processes with their style and skills
• Performance - Doing a first rate job