It’s something that is rarely ever talked about- something that we don’t want to even consider. But, tragedies like fights at the workplace or shooting to our colleagues bring it to the forefront again. What drives people to do these unspeakable acts at the workplace? Why does someone end up with such insanity? That is due to WORKPLACE STRESS!
Many psychologists agree that workplace stress plays a huge part in these incidents. Individuals become overwhelmed with the day to day activities and stressors, and it becomes too much for their minds to handle. Until finally they break.
These are ordinary people, they go to school, and they have jobs. They could be you. So, if you are experiencing workplace stress right now, it is essential that you control it now before it gets out of control.
Here’s what to do to handle workplace stress.
Analyze the situation at the workplace:
When faced with an equipment or workspace challenges, don’t sit and panic about your problem. That only adds to your stress level. Approach your manager about the situation, but first, ask yourself these questions:
What’s the problem? Problems with workspace or equipment vary. For some individuals privacy and noise reduction is important. For others, the problem may be one of ergonomics – either the desk is too high or too low, or the chair isn’t comfortable.
Is there anything you can do to solve the problem yourself? For example, if noise is a problem, wearing earplugs or listening to music by headphones may be the best solution.
What are your options? If you do a better position of providing customer service online or by telephone when it’s calm and quiet, could you work in an area that’s less chaotic or even from home, rather than in a noisy building?
What do you expect your supervisor to do? Be realistic. If you work in a cubicle or share an office and you would prefer a private corner office with windows, you’ve probably set your expectations too high.
Make your case :
Even though your business wants you to succeed, he or she must work within a budget for computers, software, tools, and other equipment. The same is true for human resources, which are often even more costly. Here’s how to advance your case.
Ask for what you need. Whenever you need something, be sure and share with your supervisor why you need it. Perhaps a new piece of equipment or software will benefit get the position done faster or lead to fewer on-the-position injuries.
Put it in writing. Write a memo or send an e-mail to your manager explaining why you need a software upgrade, for example. Be specific. Explain how it will affect your productivity and whether it will save revenue in the long run or allow you to provide a new service.
Do your research. Using the same example, determine the cost of the software upgrade. Include it in your request. Find out if what you’re requesting is state-of-the-art or the industry standard.
Present all the options. Your boss will appreciate your thoroughness, and you increase your opportunities of having at least one option selected.
Proceed with patience and persistence :
You should not expect your supervisor to grant a nonessential resource request immediately. However just because you don’t get what you need immediately doesn’t mean your supervisor won’t put it in next year’s budget.
And you should not take it personally if your request is denied. It’s not about you. More than likely it’s about the budget. Ask tactfully why the request was denied if you can. This information will be helpful if you try again. Also, you should ask if your supervisor has any thoughts about another possible way.
Finally, don’t give up. If the need persists, you may want to make the request again. In the meantime, continue to nurture a strong working relationship with your supervisor. Let your executive understand what you need, but be patient and positive. Employer strategies and priorities change, as do management personnel.
By adopting the above thought process at the workplace you can avoid any kind of conflict with colleagues and superiors then subsequently your workplace stress eliminates. You will be able to cope up with any kind of stress level and get more productive and positive about your workplace.
