On-the-job stress is a commonly occurring problem in today’s society. For most workers, job-related stress comes with the territory so it’s important to develop ways to cope. Stress can be minimized if you know the things that cause it in your workplace and develop ways to keep your sanity in the midst of it all.
Common sources of job-related stress and coping strategies include:
Unprofessional Co-Workers
An unprofessional, tactless, or rude co-worker can cause a lot of stress in your working environment. Considering the number of people that we are required to interact with on a daily basis to carry out the duties of our jobs it is guaranteed that a clash of personalities will eventually occur. The key is not to let an aggravating co-worker affect your work performance.
Several means of handling this type of problem exist. Here it’s important to choose your battles. If you can ignore the rude behavior and get your work done, let it go if at all possible.
Some co-workers take annoying too far. Some are downright rude or offensive. When ignoring the co-worker doesn’t work try confrontation. In a polite, but firm tone explain what behaviors are bothering you, why the bother you, and give suggestions for how the co-worker might improve. It is possible that the offender does not know they are upsetting you. Saying it out loud will help reduce the stress and anxiety surrounding the situation.
If talking it out doesn’t correct the situation, make an appointment to talk with your supervisor to let him or her know the extent of it and how it’s affecting your job performance. Your boss may choose to take charge and bring correction so that everyone can do their job more effectively.
Bad Management
If unprofessional co-workers are unpleasant to deal with then poor management has to be twice as stressful. The options for dealing with poor managers are more limited, but there is no reason to let poor management style give you stress or anxiety. As will co-workers ignoring the behavior is the first and most preferable option.
If that doesn’t work, then you’ll have to go over their head to someone else and tell them what’s going on. Keep a list of the things the boss has said and done and share it with an HR person or whomever you discuss your problem with.
Most companies do not want the hassle and expense of hiring and training new employees. In most cases, if the offenses of the manager are valid they will take steps to correct the behaviors and resolve any problems. Do not allow poor management to cause you undue stress. Take action for your own sake!
Increased Workload
Having more work than you can handle can make stress inevitable. Take on only what you can handle at one time. Ask for help from others and be willing to reciprocate and help them when they need it. Teamwork can be a key in reducing stress for everybody.
Stress in the workplace can come from many other sources as well. Learn what causes your stress and find out how to work through it. Your workplace can be a stressful environment, but don’t let that stress get the best of you.
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