Tips to Manage Workplace Stress

Workplace stress is a common problem that many people face. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including deadlines, workloads, and other external pressures. Stress can also be internal and come from the feelings of inadequacy or insecurity.

Many people believe that they are alone in their struggle with workplace stress and anxiety. However, according to the American Institute For Stress “83% of US workers suffer from work-related stress, with 25% saying their job is the number one stressor in their lives”

Everyone has their own way of dealing with stress. Some people are able to manage it by talking to friends and family, while others prefer to do yoga or go for a walk. There are many different ways of dealing with stress!

What is important is to find the best way that works for you and your lifestyle.

Identify Your Common Workplace Stressors

The workplace environment is not always a pleasant one. There are plenty of stressors that can make the workday miserable. We all have our own personal triggers, but some common ones can affect anyone in any office or industry. Let’s take a look at some of the most common workplace stressors and how we can minimize them.

Common Workplace Stressor: Interpersonal Conflict

When coming into close contact with others, be it, cubicle buddies or shift mates, there is a chance you will have a conflict with someone. Even though this is a normal part of life, it can add significant stress to your life.

Interpersonal conflict is one of the most common stressors in the workplace and can be very challenging to manage. One way to handle these conflicts is to pay attention to our communication.

Healthy and happy relationships are built on communication. And the key to good communication is being able to listen and understand the other person.

Stress may make it hard for you to think carefully about what you say. It’s important to remember that what you say impacts others. When communicating with others, we should aim to be as kind as possible and strive not to be careless with our words.

Another tip is to practice your non-verbal communication skills. Communication is about more than the words you speak. Nonverbal communication is an important tool, and when properly used, can help you to communicate more effectively and invite others to be open with you.

Common Workplace Stressor: Disorganization

A disorganized workplace can create stress for everyone and lead to poor work performance.

The employer is responsible for providing a safe and comfortable work environment, while the employee should make sure they are not creating more stress by being disorganized.

Employees should plan ahead, delegate tasks, set priorities, and use their time wisely in order to avoid being stressed out.

Common Workplace Stressor: Too Much Multitasking

Many office workers find themselves juggling multiple tasks at once. From writing papers to answering emails, it’s common for office workers to juggle multiple tasks at once. But those constant interruptions can lead to poor performance, increased stress levels, and reduced productivity.

Consider your needs and available resources before committing to a task or project. When you feel overextended or you aren’t able to cope with the work, it’s okay to scale back on work or slow down. Be realistic about what you think you can accomplish within your scope of work and talk to your colleagues if it feels like it’s too much (or too little).

Common Workplace Stressor: Physical Discomfort

Many of us take our workspace for granted, but having a clean, comfortable, and pleasant working environment can do wonders for our stress levels.

Having a workspace that is free of clutter and that creates a calming atmosphere can reduce stress. Keep your desk organized so you know where everything is. If you work from home, you can customize your workspace to make it even more relaxing. Adding diffusers or candles to your workstation, adding plants or positioning it outside, or playing background music can all be ways to create a relaxing atmosphere.

Other Helpful Articles

Professional Self-Care: Self-Care Series (Part 2)
6 Tips to Manage Sunday Scaries
10 Ways to Increase Work-Life Balance