Stress at Work

Stress at work is often cited as one of the most common causes of stress. Dealing with deadlines, bosses, co-workers and projects you hate doing all aggravate your stress response. There are many causes during your day that can lead stress. Being able to identify them and adjust your response can make a huge difference in how you feel.

Below are some of the most common causes of stress at work and how you can deal with them. Know what they are and when they are occurring, and adjust your response to them. There is no reason to let them affect you to the point of stress. Being stressed at work can cause many health problems and lower your productivity leading to even more stress.

You hate your job -- Do you really need to keep working for this company? Can you find another job? Maybe you just don’t like the department you work in or your boss. Keep an ear out for postings within the company and try to transfer to an area you may enjoy more.

You have a looming deadline and you are not close to finishing -- Keep trucking on. Worrying and stressing about it is not going to help the situation and may even ruin your productivity. You may not get it done whether you are stressed about it or not, so just keep pushing on and do the best you can. Focus on the task and less on your worrying.

You have a job performance meeting -- You can’t change what has been done in the past, so make your case and present yourself on the best light. Show your boss that you are learning and improving and be open to any constructive criticism. Ask your boss how you can improve. The things you learn in these meetings can help you improve and grow for your entire career. Remember if you look good, your boss looks good!

You feel like you are overwhelmed and never get a break -- Ask yourself if this is long term or short term. If it has been going on with no end in site for a long time, talk to your boss or HR representative about how you are feeling. Maybe they can relieve some of your workload or hire someone to shift some of the work over to them.

You don’t get along with your co-workers -- Try to work your differences out. You don’t have to agree on everything. Work as a team!

You’re worried about losing your job -- Keep your resume up-to-date at all times. Continue to improve your skills and develop new ones so you will be a highly desirable employee. A business professor once said “you should always be looking for a job.” And it is true. Keep your eyes and ears out for better opportunities even if you feel safe in your job.

Remember it is only a job! Have a balanced work and personal life and a relaxed positive outlook on life. Don’t let your life be defined by a stressful job.

Click here to learn some more ideas on dealing with stress in the workplace


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