Identify, prevent and manage stress at work

Workplace stress can occur when there is a mismatch between the requirements of the role, your capabilities and resources and supports available.   

Everyone knows what stress feels like and we've probably all experienced it at some stage – at home, school or work, or while getting outside our comfort zone, but while this stress is normal, if it is ongoing, it can become a problem.  

There are common stressors in most roles but also specific stressors for certain roles.

 

Most jobs involve some degree of stress, and this can affect people at all levels within an organisation, including frontline employees, managers and senior leaders. 

Some stress is reasonable, but it becomes an issue when it is excessive and ongoing. There are some strategies everyone can adopt to manage and reduce their own stress levels, as well as find a positive work-life balance.

Factory contributing to stress at workplace:

1. Working long hours or overtime, working through breaks or taking work home.

2. Not receiving enough support from supervisors, managers and/or co-workers.

3. Job insecurity.

4. Discrimination on workplace based on gender, ethnicity, race or sexuality.

5. Conflict with colleagues or managers.

6. No recognition and reward for the work.

Manage workplace stress:

1. Have a physical and mental exercise routine: 

Being physically active doesn’t necessarily require bench presses in the gym during your lunch break. A quick walk around the block can often help settle your mind if things get a bit much. If time permits, do this regularly. A change of scenery can help to brighten your outlook.

Along with physical exercise, the stress relief benefits of mindful activities such as yoga, meditation and Tai Chi are well known.Even a simple controlled breathing technique can help stress management in the workplace.

2. Have a better work life balance:

One of the more insidious effects of workplace stress is the way it can follow us home.

Long working hours affect how much time you spend with the people you love. Instead of just flaking out on the couch, or in front of the TV, plan for time with friends and family. Get tickets to an event or revisit a hobby and organise your next holiday so you have more time and relaxing to look forward to.

3. Have a proper sleep schedule:

One of the more insidious effects of workplace stress is the way it can follow us home.

Long working hours affect how much time you spend with the people you love. Instead of just flaking out on the couch, or in front of the TV, plan for time with friends and family. Get tickets to an event or revisit a hobby and organise your next holiday so you have more time and relaxing to look forward to.

4. Talk to someone about the stress:

Workplace stress is typically the result of more than one thing. The starting point to recognising and successfully managing all work stress could be as simple as writing down the problem.

Although you might feel you don’t want to burden others with your problems, talking it through with someone you trust can help provide a new perspective and allow you to handle stress at work better.

Many organisations also provide access to an employee assistance program (EAP). Don’t feel like you can’t take advantage of such a service – after all, that’s what it’s for.