Don’t let stressful work situations keep your employees from enjoying their work.
There are so many situations that cause stress in the workplace, and different people are affected differently. Some people may be stressed by a situation that doesn’t bother another one. Have your employees take these important steps to lower their stress and have happier days.
1. Evaluate The Situation
Keep a stress journal for two weeks. Write what caused the stress, the day of the week and time of the day that it occurred, and how you handled it. At the end of the two weeks read over your journal to see if there is a pattern.
Is your stress related to the type of work you are doing in your job atmosphere? Is the job too complicated? Do you need more training? Is your work load too much? Is the work boring with not enough challenge? Or, does your stress come from people – demanding supervisors, snippy coworkers, or complaining customers?
2. Write A Letter
Summarize your evaluation in a letter to your supervisor. The main purpose of writing this letter is to clarify your thoughts. “I need more training, or a job with less people contact, or more people contact, a slower paced job, a more challenging job. I need more help. Our staff needs to learn how to get along better, etc.” Only after you are clear about what is causing the stress, and you can offer possible solutions, should you show the letter to your supervisor. Use your judgment.
3. Wait
Change often takes time so you need to be patient. Keep track of what is or isn’t improving. Speak to your supervisor again after a few weeks. In the meantime lower your stress by using the following stress busters.
4. Listen
Sometimes we are so anxious to tell our side of a problem that we forget to listen. Ask your coworkers their perspective of the situation, and then listen.
5. Take A Break
If you can, go outside in the fresh air and take a walk around the building. Removing yourself temporarily from the situation will help you gain your composure.
6. See The Funny Side
Make up an office sitcom, or mentally dress people in clothes from a different era. When we see the funny side of a situation it doesn’t seem like such a crisis.
7. Create A Safe Haven
Close your eyes for a few minutes and remember a very peaceful place where you were relaxed and happy. When you open your eyes you will feel refreshed.
8. Go To Lunch With A Friend
Meet a friend for lunch outside of the work environment. Doing this on a regular basis will refresh your spirit.
It’s up to you!
Whenever you feel stressed at work, try these proven stress-busters strategies and treat yourself to a stress-less workday!
As a workplace leader, it is important that you recognize that your employees are bound to be affected by stress during their workday. Having them follow these tips can help them deal with their stress in an effective manner, leading them to have happier and more productive workdays.
