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Workplace Stress Reduction
The form of stress most difficult to avoid is workplace stress. The demands of the modern day workplace can add significantly to stress levels. A report commissioned by International Stress Management Association (UK) in collaboration with AXA, claims that in 2002, 64% of the UK workforce from workplace stress in 2002 which was up from 53% the previous year. These may be UK figures but the same disturbing trend is in progress throughout the western world.
There are several sources of stress in the workplace: work/home balance; lack of motivation; fundamental value conflicts; being given responsibilities without being given the authority that should go with them; being expected to produce quality work with few and/or poor resources; unrealistic deadlines; job insecurity; rapid change. Decide which of these, or combination of these, is causing the stress and make your feelings known. Any good workplace will have some avenue through which your concerns can be accommodated.
More and more employers are realizing that a stressful work environment in an unproductive work environment and it makes sense to provide a means of stress relief directly at the point where it is needed most. The popularity of workplace yoga is spreading, as companies nationwide (including IBM, Microsoft, Nike, Intel, AT&T, GE to name a few) are embracing the practice as a low cost method of stress reduction that is extremely easy to implement. Research has found that fixed work schedules are the a major cause of stress within the workplace, as a result of the anxiety caused by feeling there is not enough time to complete all the tasks due every single day.
No matter what causes stress in the workplace, there are ways to handle it so that it doesn’t lead to burnout. The primary thing to do to avoid workplace stress is prioritise tasks and focus on one task at a time. Don't take your workplace stress home to the family, expend the emotional energy in other ways such as walking or going to the gym. On a personal level, think about how realistic your perception of the stress causing situation is and consider whether you could change your perspective to one that will evoke less stress.
This article has outlined the major sources of workplace stress and the importance of making your workplace aware of your concerns. It has also offered advice on reducing stress in the workplace.
By John Kirkham
There are several sources of stress in the workplace: work/home balance; lack of motivation; fundamental value conflicts; being given responsibilities without being given the authority that should go with them; being expected to produce quality work with few and/or poor resources; unrealistic deadlines; job insecurity; rapid change. Decide which of these, or combination of these, is causing the stress and make your feelings known. Any good workplace will have some avenue through which your concerns can be accommodated.
More and more employers are realizing that a stressful work environment in an unproductive work environment and it makes sense to provide a means of stress relief directly at the point where it is needed most. The popularity of workplace yoga is spreading, as companies nationwide (including IBM, Microsoft, Nike, Intel, AT&T, GE to name a few) are embracing the practice as a low cost method of stress reduction that is extremely easy to implement. Research has found that fixed work schedules are the a major cause of stress within the workplace, as a result of the anxiety caused by feeling there is not enough time to complete all the tasks due every single day.
No matter what causes stress in the workplace, there are ways to handle it so that it doesn’t lead to burnout. The primary thing to do to avoid workplace stress is prioritise tasks and focus on one task at a time. Don't take your workplace stress home to the family, expend the emotional energy in other ways such as walking or going to the gym. On a personal level, think about how realistic your perception of the stress causing situation is and consider whether you could change your perspective to one that will evoke less stress.
This article has outlined the major sources of workplace stress and the importance of making your workplace aware of your concerns. It has also offered advice on reducing stress in the workplace.
By John Kirkham
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