Job stress is something we all face as workers -- and we all handle it differently. There is no getting around it. But, not all stress is bad, and learning how to deal with and manage stress is critical to our maximizing our job performance, staying safe on the job, and maintaining our physical and mental health. For workers infrequent doses of job stress pose little threat and may be effective in increasing motivation and productivity, but too much -- and too prolonged -- can lead to a downward spiral -- both professionally and personally.
Several surveys and examinations confirm that work-related pressures and fears are the most prevalent sources of stress. Anyone who works will agree to the fact that we all go through job stress at some point. Everyone has their own way of dealing with it. It can affect our physical and mental health. Therefore, it is very important to control stress in time or else it can lead to serious depression. With desperate economic conditions it has become even more difficult to deal with hard situations at work. Stress due to personal reasons can also affect your work with no one wanting to lose their job at any cost.
Job related stress makes one unproductive at work and though it might not be easy to totally avoid stress from work, but every effort must be made to mitigate its affect. In order to do this, we must look at different sources of job stress.1. Control:
With a lot of responsibilities and less decision making power, an employee can feel inferior. If a worker’s point of view is that his boss does not trust him with decision making, it can affect his performance which will result in to stress.
2. Increased Responsibilities:
Another thing which can be very stressful is additional responsibilities. It can get even worse if you have a lot to do and still you cannot say “No” to new tasks. It becomes more stressful if you are spending extra hours just to finish the work.
3. Job Insecurity:
Organizations go through metamorphic changes under intense economic alterations and consequent pressures. Reformations, invasions, mergers, downsizings and other changes have become most important stressors for workers, as companies try to live up to the competition to survive. These restorations have put demand on everyone, from a CEO to mere executives.
4. Communication Gap:
At work place it is expected of us to interact with our colleagues, managers. Sometimes poor communication skills prevent you from talking to your co-workers which results in unhealthy relationships and can cause job stress.
5. Less Support:
Lack of support from your boss or colleagues can also be reason of your stress. Poor social environment and so not welcoming office can affect your work a lot.
6. Stressful Activities Like Traveling from One Place to Another:
If your work includes physical activities such as running from one place to another or going for meeting can result in to physical exhaustion which can directly affect your work. For a healthy mind it is very important to have a healthy body and if you are not physically well, you won’t be able to work.
7. Bullying, Harassment and Violence:
These things if related to work place can definitely be a major reason for stress. If an employee is suffering from constant bullying, offensive behavior or harassment he won’t be able to concentrate on his work at all which will result in to work stress or even suffer from severe depression.
8. Meeting Deadlines
Another major reason for job stress is that sometimes we keep on putting things off until the last possible moment and afterwards when we have to meet deadlines and are unable to do so results in to stress. Unrealistic expectations, especially in the time of corporate reorganizations, which, sometimes, puts unhealthy and unreasonable pressures on the employees, can be a tremendous source of stress and suffering.
Effects of Job Stress
1. Lack of Concentration:
With all the stress going around, it becomes really hard to concentrate on work, which will inevitably cause you to forget even the most basic things.
2. Low Productivity:
No breaks and long hours of work will lead to mental stress and will predictably cause worn-out employees. It’s no surprise that working longer hours will initiate a huge decline in productivity.
3. Mental Preoccupation:
Job stress can lead to mental preoccupation. If you are unable to concentrate on your work because you are stressed out due to various reasons, it will directly affect your performance. It becomes more difficult in such situations when you have to do a group work and you may not be present in the team at all times.
4. Headaches:
Experts agree that work stress plays a major role in developing headaches that are directly related to particular cases of increased worries and concerns and may lead to more complications.
Tips on Job Stress Management
Bring the Change You Can:
It is very important to change something you can. For instance, if you have a problem sitting with someone or something else at work is bothering you, try your best to make changes which will ease the situation.
Reduce Intensity of Emotions and Enjoy Your Work:
Don’t let your stress control your emotions in fact, try to ignore your stress. It is very important to enjoy your work. Higher levels of fun in the workplace may result in to less exhaustion and more job satisfaction.
Organize Your Work Schedule:
Organizing your work and desk will help you finish your tasks on time and will also make a good impression of yours. It is recommended that you manage your job responsibilities in such a way so that you could avoid stress and give your best performance at work.
Give Yourself Quality Time:
Do not take your work home with you. Do not take work related calls when you are with family or friends. Avoid checking work e-mail at home. It is necessary for you to take time for yourself and communicate with your family members. It will reduce your stress and you feel fresh to be at work the next day.
Take the Right Decision:
If none of the above options works for you, it may be time to switch your job. Explore all of your options but before that make sure that it’s your job that is causing problems for you and not yourself. Before quitting your current job, make sure you have another door open for you because being jobless can be more stressful. You should know when to quit your job. If you have tried everything and are still unable to get rid of your stress, it is time to get rid of your job.
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