The modern world is work focused and employment based. We spend the majority of our waking hours at the workplace and this has its own benefits and problems. One of the most common of these problems is workplace stress. This is a chronic ailment caused by conditions that negatively affect your performance and overall well-being. It can also affect an individuals' psychological and physical health, as well as organization's effectiveness. Workplace stress is affecting a whole spectrum of the population ranging from doctors to plumbers
Workplace stress is now recognized globally as a condition that can affect all categories of workers, in all types of jobs. Stress is a source of tension and frustration that may arise through a number of interrelated influences on behavior, including the individual, group, organizational and environmental factors. This usually leads to loss of concentration, sleeplessness, and it can also increase the risk for illness, back problems, accidents, and lost time. Workplace stress is now one of the most prevalent reasons for lost working days, which hinders the progress of the organization as well as the individual.
There are various reasons for workplace stress and one of them is management. This usually happens when managers behave in an authoritarian way, offer no constructive support or advice to the work force or deny promotional opportunities to the deserving members of the company. This is when employees become frustrated or cynical towards the organization. Another reason for workplace stress is overbearing or jealous work colleagues. Office gossip can be harmless fun if kept within reason but if it is constantly directed towards one particular person then it can be quite damaging and lead to a lot of workplace stress for the person concerned.
There are steps that organizations can take to prevent or minimize the effects of workplace stress, so that they have more contented and happier employees. Some of the ways to achieve this is to make sure that your workforce have a voice and are heard, they are aware of their importance to the organization and are seen as unique and exceptional. Some of the policies that can help towards this are to include flexi-time, working from home, stress coaching, on the job support, keeping jobs open during sick leave, provision of quiet rooms, exercise provision, training initiatives and social activities.
Workplace stress can also be caused because of the work place atmosphere, for instance noisy, dirty, messy areas can all contribute towards job stress. It is therefore a good idea to keep the work areas clean and tidy to have a healthy, relaxed and stress free working environment.
Employees can also contribute towards minimizing and preventing workplace stress. Worker s should refrain from harassment or bullying. They should not tease, insult or even threaten others due to their sex, religion or race. Under no circumstances should they spread malicious gossip in order to destroy another's good name.
By working together, employees and management can minimize and prevent a lot of workplace stress. Organizations should always be looking for ways that lead to a workforce that is happy, healthy and therefore more productive.
For an average employee, the demands of a job is stressful enough. But, for an employee with an anxiety disorder, meeting his work's demands is twice, even thrice as stressful. Getting treatment and undergoing medication for anxiety can be quite expensive so quitting one's job is not an option. There are ways to manage workplace stress but first, you have to know its common causes.
Once you have determined the cause of your stress in the workplace, you can use any or all of the following tips in order to manage it:
1. Review your job description and responsibilities.
As much as taking more responsibility at work can boost your career, now is not the time to do so. You can take on more tasks once you are done with your treatment and can take on added responsibility. For now, review your job description and pertinent tasks. If there are tasks that are not included in your responsibilities, inform your supervisor and explain that in your current condition, it will be best if the extra work will be delegated to other people.
2. Keep your workstation as organized as possible.
Although you cannot control the entire office environment, you can try and keep your station as clean and organized as possible. Clutter can cause you to lose concentration while drab office colors can make you distressed. Use colorful space organizers like pen holders, in-trays, and folders to keep your station clean and cheery.
3. Participate in office events.
Participating in office events like corporate parties or casual lunches with your colleagues can boost your working relationship with them. A kind smile can go a long way in improving your interpersonal relationship with them.
4. Clarify concerns with the management.
Often, employees tend to form their own conclusions about new policies or procedures in the workplace. Unfortunately, these conclusions are often negative. Before joining the bandwagon, clarify your concerns first with your supervisor so you can get a clearer picture of what your employer and the company is trying to accomplish with the new policy or procedure.
5. Be open to workplace changes.
Employees often stress themselves over new procedures or policies. Instead of closing doors on changes, keep an open mind and try to see things differently. Sure, new rules or policies may be difficult to swallow at first but they might be what the company needs to move forward and create opportunities for employees like you.
Aside from these tips, you can also take advantage of Employee Assistance Programs or EAPs offered by your company like stress management programs or counseling services. you can ask your supervisor about this or the Human Resources Department. By taking an active role in your treatment and minimizing workplace stress, you can do well in your job and still be healthy.
Both Nim Aulakh & Kristine Gonzaga are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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Kristine Gonzaga has sinced written about articles on various topics from Getting Pregnant, Health and Birth Control. Kristine Anne Gonzaga is a content writer and researcher who specializes in health topics and health-related issues. She delights in finding tips and ideas on simple and practical healthcare and sharing them through her writing.Choose Variety of High Qual. Kristine Gonzaga's top article generates over 33100 views. to your Favourites.