Managing Stress at the Workplace 2022

Managing Stress at the Workplace

Work stress is not just about the work itself, but factors outside of the job itself also have a role in work stress, including a person’s psychological make-up, general health, personal life, and the amount of emotional support they have outside of work. The signs of work-related stress can be physical and psychological, including, anxiety, depression, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, fatigue, headache, heart palpitations, mood swings, muscle tension and pain and stomach problems to just name a few.

High levels of stress due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Employees in South Africa are experiencing extremely high rates of psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers report. “Life with COVID-19 and subsequent lockdown measures has changed everything familiar about 21st century living.” notes the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) in a statement.

How to effectively manage stress in your everyday work life

We all have stress – at work, at home and on the road. Sometimes we can feel especially stressed because of a bad interaction with someone, or too much work.

·         Count to 10 before you speak or react.

·         Take a few slow, deep breaths until you feel your body un-clench a bit.

·         Go for a walk, even if it’s just to the restroom and back. It can give you a chance to think things through.

·         Try a quick meditation.

Recognising stress at work

While some workplace stress is normal, excessive stress can interfere with your productivity and impact your physical and emotional health. And your ability to deal with it can mean the difference between success or failure. You can’t control everything in your work environment, but that doesn’t mean you’re powerless – even when you’re stuck in a difficult situation. Finding ways to manage workplace stress isn’t about making huge changes or rethinking career ambitions, but rather focusing on the one thing that’s always within your control: You.

If you ignore the warning signs of work stress, they can lead to bigger problems. Beyond interfering with job performance and satisfaction, chronic or intense stress can also lead to physical and emotional health problems. Signs and symptoms of excessive job and workplace stress may look like this, feeling anxious, irritable, or depressed, apathy, loss interest in work, problems sleeping, fatigue, trouble concentrating, muscle tension or headaches, stomach problems, social withdrawal, and even loss of sex drive.

Common causes of excessive workplace stress can include fear of being laid off, more overtime due to staff cutbacks, pressure to perform to meet rising expectations but with no increase in job satisfaction, or pressure to work at optimum levels – all the time! It is important to remember that you can reduce job stress by taking care of yourself. When stress at work interferes with your ability to perform in your job, manage your personal life, or adversely impacts your health, it’s time to act. Start by paying attention to your physical and emotional health.

Employers should begin to create a healthier, safer, and more productive atmosphere. If you feel that you are not coping in your work environment, do not hesitate to reach out to us.

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