STRESS AT WORK

 

STRESS AT WORK

                                                                   Figure 1(Stranks J, 2005)

Stress isn't always detrimental. A small amount of stress can help you stay focused, energized, and ready to take on new challenges at work. It's what keeps you alert during a presentation or protects you from making costly blunders. However, in today's hurried environment, the office might seem like an emotional roller coaster all of the time. Long hours, looming deadlines, and ever-increasing demands can leave you concerned, exhausted, and overwhelmed. When your ability to cope with stress exceeds your ability to cope, it ceases to be beneficial and begins to harm your mind and body, as well as your job satisfaction. (Stranks J, 2005)

COMMON CAUSES OF WORKPLACE STRESS

·         Fear of losing your job

·         Due to employee reductions, there will be more overtime.

·         Pressure to perform in order to fulfill ever-increasing deadlines

·         Expectations, but there was no improvement in job satisfaction.

·         Pressure to perform at your best all of the time

·         You don't have any control over how you do your task.

WARNING SIGNS OF STRESS

When you're overworked, you lose confidence and may become irritable, angry, or withdraw. Other signs and symptoms of work-related stress include (Baker D.B, 1985)

·         Anxiety, irritability, or depression

·         Apathy and a lack of enthusiasm for job

·         Sleeping difficulties

·         Fatigue

·         Concentration issues

·         Tension in the muscles or headaches

·         Problems with the stomach

·         Withdrawal from social situations

·         Suffering from a lack of sexual desire

·         To cope, people turn to alcohol or narcotics

 WAYS TO ELIMINATE STRESS AT WORK

1.      Reach out to relieve workplace stress.

-Seek help from your coworkers.

-Lean on your family and friends for support.

-Make new, fulfilling friendships.

2.      Exercise and nutrition can help you stay healthy.

-Make regular exercise a priority.

-Make stress-relieving eating choices.

E.g.:-

*Sugar and processed carbs should be kept to a minimum.

*Reduce your intake of foods that can make you feel bad.

3.      Make sure you get enough sleep.

You may believe that you simply do not have enough time to get a full night's sleep. Sleep deprivation, on the other hand, affects your productivity, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and ability to focus during the day. (Semmer et.al, 1995)

 

4.      Prioritize and organize your tasks.

-Tips for lowering job stress with time management

*Make a schedule that is balanced.

*Early departure is recommended.

*Make regular breaks a priority.

*Set up appropriate boundaries.

*Don't overextend yourself.

-Tips for lowering job stress with task management

*Tasks should be prioritized.

*Break down projects into manageable chunks.

*Assign accountability to others.

*Be willing to make concessions.

 

5.      Breaking poor habits that cause workplace stress is essential.

*Refrain from striving for perfection.

*Turn your negative thoughts around.

*Don't try to control what you can't control.

*Look for the humorous side of the problem

*You should clean up your act.

Be proactive in your employment and workplace responsibilities.

·         Talk to your employer about workplace stressors

·         Clarify your job description

·         Request a transfer

·         Ask for new duties

·         Take time off

CONCLUSION

Proper stress relief management will help increase the productivity of the employees and making proper decision and increase communication at the working place.

As well as work space conflicts will be reduced and increase productivity.

REFERENCES

Stranks, J., 2005. Stress at work. Routledge.

Baker, D.B., 1985. The study of stress at work. Annual review of public health, 6(1), pp.367-381.

Semmer, N.K., Zapf, D. and Dunckel, H., 1995. Assessing stress at work: A framework and an instrument. Work and health: Scientific basis of progress in the working environment, pp.105-113.