Stress in the Workplace October 05 2015
Stress refers to an emotional and physical strain. It can be triggered by a variety of factors and circumstances, collectively known as “Stressors”. All Individuals feel the impact of stressors in some form or another; be it in their personal or professional lives.
Here are some of the most common stressors:
- Poor work-life balance
- Finances
- Workload
- Health issues
- Family issues and personal relationships
- Future uncertainty and job insecurity
While everyone reacts to stressors differently, stress can have a profound impact on workplace performance, the quality of an individual’s personal life, and even their overall health. In order to diminish the risk of these negative effects, it is vital for organizations and workers to recognize and identify stressors within the workplace. Only by acknowledging stress can steps be taken to minimize it.
The following are techniques and practices which can help mitigate the impact of stress:
- Monitor and eliminate existing sources of stress in the workplace (i. e. bullying, harassment and negative communication)
- If operationally possible, offer flexibility in scheduling and job-sharing opportunities
- Establish a supportive culture, embracing open communication
- Organize and participate in social activities at work and outside of work
- Communicate with managers and coworkers when experiencing work overload or competing deadlines
- Staying fresh; use allotted vacation time and take regular breaks at work
- Establish effective time management; use calendars or day planners to plot important tasks and deadlines
- Develop a healthy lifestyle by eating healthy, getting adequate sleep and exercising regularly
- Take advantage of Employee Assistance Programs while dealing with difficult situations or life events