Stress in the workplace poses detrimental effects on the members of the organization. New employees are more prone to experience stress because they need to make some adjustments in the new environment, new co-workers, and new tasks assigned.
It’s crucial to find information about the causes of stress in the workplace, so proper steps to combat it will be implemented.
What Causes Stress in the Workplace?
Various factors can contribute to how stress affects the workplace. Below are some of them:
#1 New environment and adjustments for new employees. They may find it awkward to deal with new co-workers and handle tasks that they are not yet familiar with.
#2 Increasing workloads or assignments. When there’s a sudden high demand for the completion of workloads and tasks, it can be overwhelming and stressful.
#3 Downsizing. When a company is experiencing issues with budget that can lead to downsizing, this can be emotionally stressful to the employees. They will be anxious if they are going to lose their job, or that it may affect their lives.
#4 Pressure due to high expectations from you. There are some tasks that requires high expectations from employees when it comes to their levels of productivity and accuracy. Such can also cause stress to the employees.
#5 Personal issues and problems with co-workers. There are times when conflicts happen in the workplace and may lead to misunderstandings between you and your co-workers. Also, there can be instances that you’re not in the best mood due to personal problems. All of these can cause stress. You may become more irritated and less interested in the job.
#6 Prolonged hours of work. Employees can experience physical and mental stress when they are overworked. They can be prone to several health issues such as diabetes, heart diseases, fatigue, back pains, and weight gain.
Why Should We Avoid Stress?
As previously mentioned, stress can be detrimental to us and may bring adverse effects to people. When stress in the workplace accumulates, it can lead to depression, violence, sickness, decreased productivity level, issues at home, retention at work, and burnout.
Effective Ways to Deal With Stress in the Workplace
It is important that people in the workplace, especially new employees, learn how to deal with stress. This is for them to become more productive and efficient in their respective tasks. The following are some ways on how to properly deal with stress.
#1 Identify the signs of stress in the workplace. Stress may already be affecting you without noticing it yet. Therefore, you should be aware of the possible early signs of stress to make sure that they will be solved. These signs may include the following:
# Fatigue
# Lack of interest in the job
# Difficulty in concentration
# Feeling depressed and anxious
# Poor decision-making skills
# Feeling overwhelmed on the tasks
# Difficulty in getting a good sleep at night
# Stomaches
# Sore and tight muscles
# Migraines and headaches
# Social withdrawal
# Negative coping mechanisms such as taking drugs and alcohol
#2 Find solutions instead of adding stress in the workplace. When the signs of stress are found to the people in the workplace, they should be given proper attention promptly. Consider conflicts as a normal part of your job, but what’s important is for you to learn how to handle them correctly. To avoid adding stress in the workplace, do not let conflict to grow and create bigger problems. Address them adequately at the earliest possible time.
#3 Create proper work schedules for the employees. Irregular schedules can add stress to the employees. They should still have a work-life balance. This is needed to ensure that their health is taken care of, and their work will be on its optimum energy. Inform them when they need to work overtime, so they will be prepared. Make it possible that employees can still have time for their personal lives after working hours. They will be more inspired and motivated when they have an organized schedule.
#4 Promote wellness in the workplace. As previously mentioned, stress can affect the physical and mental health of a person. That is why it is imperative to make wellness an integral factor to promote in the workplace. The management can give healthy snacks, offer free checkups, and provide gym memberships as well as wearable technologies. Of course, encourage employees to take their breaks to let them relax and breathe some fresh air. Invest in ergonomic equipment such as standing desks and converters to prevent the risks of a sedentary work style.
#5 Recognize the value of ‘good stress’.There is ‘good stress,’ according to some experts. Examples of them are deadlines and tests given to the employees. They should be deemed as valuable because they can make employees more responsible, kind, and motivated to give their best on their tasks.
#6 Share to someone that you’re struggling with stress. Having a colleague who will listen and provide you with advice can help lessen the burden of your stress. They may help you with how to overcome stress and become even more motivated to work on your tasks.
#7 Always find something that will make you happy in every situation. Stress can be harmful, but it’s the way on how we handle things that can overcome it. Stay happy despite the negativity. Smile and laugh with your friends. Some studies revealed that laughter could help reduce stress and contribute to a more joyful working environment.
#8 Create a positive relationship with other members of the team. When you’re a new employee, you may feel awkward about dealing with your workmates. Try to make friends with them. Or talk to them professionally. Be a good listener and commence to build a good foundation of work relationship with them.
#9 Pay attention to your physical health conditions that may lead to stress. Your body tells a lot of signs if you’re becoming stressed. When you’re experiencing headaches, migraines, fatigue, and other symptoms mentioned, then make sure to address them promptly.
#10 Be kind and grateful always. You will feel genuinely happy when your heart is full of gratitude and kindness. You will also feel calm, thus reducing the risks that stress can bring. Practice giving and sharing in the workplace. Do not hesitate to help people who are having a hard time doing their tasks.
#11 Limit your use of social media during work. Social media also contribute to increased stress levels. When you become curious and affected by what people share on the various platforms, then this can be stressful somehow. It would be better if you limit yourself to using social media to ensure productivity. Turn off notifications that may get your attention from work.
#12 Be prepared always. When you feel overwhelmed with all the tasks that need to be done, stress may get into the scene. There can be unexpected things that may happen, such as additional tasks, conflicts, miscommunication, and burnouts. It is always advisable to be prepared physically, emotionally, and mentally.
Stress in the workplace may be inevitable. However, there are effective solutions that can be done to manage it properly. People in the organization, especially the new employees, must be aware of how they can handle stress effectively.
