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Stress in the Workplace - Causes and Ways to Manage Workplace Stress

Whether its workplace or personal life, when a problem is or appears beyond the capability of our body or mind, it causes stress. There are many factors responsible for causing stress in the workplace. Here are some major ones:

  • Job security. This is by far the major factor responsible for causing stress in employees. Increase in competition and uncertain economy drive companies to cost-cutting measures like lay offs putting enormous stress on employees.
  • Performance stress. The same above reasons drives companies to increase workload and expectations. Consequently the fear of getting laid and meeting high demands cause undue stress in employees.
  • Technology. With newer technologies being introduced everyday, employees feel lot of stress to keep themselves abreast with latest developments.
  • Workplace ethics. Adapting to new workplace cultures, ethics, dress codes, office politics, can be quite stressing especially if lot of emphasis is put on following them.
Here are some strategies to reduce stress in workplace:

For Employers

  • Having a positive and friendly office environment helps a lot in reducing stress. Too much emphasis on workplace ethics, communication, dress-codes can increase unnecessary stress among employees.
  • Adequate time and latitude should be given to employees to learn and update themselves with latest developments and technologies along with their job.
  • Employees must be made to feel like a part of the company by involving them in company’s decision making process.
  • Jobs should not be excessively demanding.
  • Appreciation of their efforts by rewarding employees (and their families) with vacations can help a lot in distressing them. Vacation is one of the greatest de-stressor. The distressing effect of a vacation can easily make up for the time lost by increasing efficiency and productivity of the employees.
For Employees

  • Taking mini-breaks (5-10 minutes of meditation, deep breathing or visualization) every 2-3 hours can help immensely in reducing stress.
  • Watch your posture. Sit erect with straight spine. Slouching puts stress on the back and breathing also gets shallow, reducing energy and alertness.
  • Don’t miss an opportunity to participate in a joyful discussion or sharing a joke. Laughter is one of the nature’s best ways to relieve stress.
  • Confide with colleagues about office (and/or personal) problems. Sharing helps reduce problems.
No matter what the reason, if adequate measures are not taken to manage workplace stress, it can not only affect the performance of employees but also seriously affect their health.

For free advice and strategies on managing stress, visit Stress Management Forum.

Source: www.articlecity.com