How To Manage Job Stress

What is Job Stress?

Job stress is something we all face as employees — 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 maximising our job performance and maintaining our physical and mental health.

While many of the methods of preventing job stress need to be developed and supported by the organisation, there are things that employees can do to help manage job stress.

Here are 10 tips for dealing with work related stress:

1. Put it in perspective

   Jobs are disposable. Your friends, families, and health are not. If your employer expects too much of you, and it’s starting to take its toll on you, do something about it, talk to them and explain your concerns and if this isn’t taken seriously then perhaps you should look for another job!

2. Change your job situation

   If you really like your employer, but the job has become too stressful (or too boring), ask about tailoring your job to your skills so it becomes more achievable.

3. Get time away

   If you feel the stress building, take a break. Walk away from the situation, go for a walk outside of the office and take some time out. Exercise does wonders for your mental well-being.

4. De-clutter and get organised

   Take some time to organise your desk or workspace, which can help ease the sense of losing control that comes from too much clutter. Keeping a to-do list — and then ticking things off it — also helps.

5. Communicate and talk to someone

   Sometimes the best stress-reducer is simply sharing your stress with someone close to you. The action of talking it out and getting support and empathy from someone else is often an excellent way of reducing stress. Have a support system of trusted people.

6. Cultivate relationships at work

   Just knowing you have one or more co-workers who are willing to assist you in times of stress will reduce your stress level. Just remember to reciprocate and help them when they are in need.

7. Get laughing

   When you or the people around you start taking things too seriously, find a way to break through with laughter. Share a joke or funny story. A smile or laughter is often contagious!

8. Have realistic expectations

   You can only fit so much work into one day. Having unrealistic expectations for what you can accomplish sets you up for failure and increased stress.

9. Nobody is perfect

   If you are one of those types that obsess over every detail and micromanage to make sure “everything is perfect,” you need to stop. Change your motto to performing your best, and leave perfection to the gods.

10. Maintain a positive attitude (and avoid those without one)

    Negativity sucks the energy and motivation out of any situation, so avoid it whenever possible. Instead, develop a positive attitude — and learn to reward yourself for little accomplishments (even if no one else does).

Okay, so it’s a cliché, but your health is everything. You need to take care of yourself, and no job, customer, or boss is worth putting your health at risk. Find a way out through one or more of our 10 strategies. Take control of the situation and fix it so you will have better mental and physical health, as well as better relationships with the people around you.

The Works Team is always on hand to help you find another job!