Managing Workplace Stress
Nov 2, 2015
Managing Workplace Stress
Nov 2, 2015

Black-woman-stress

In a time when ambition and career progression is becoming ever more prevalent amongst the working population, a demanding work culture is the new norm. Long working hours and a constant pressure to perform to a high standard is beginning to have adverse effects on many professionals in the UK. Stress inducing factors are unavoidable in the work place, but managing these stressors in the most effective way possible is an imperative step to creating a healthy working environment.

Here we consider the most effective ways in creating a healthy work environment for you and your employees. 

Work smarter

Reducing work load is difficult, however managing the work load doesn’t need to be a burden. The ‘work smart, not long’ method refers to the idea of prioritizing tasks, and implementing a time management plan.

This increasingly utilized method amongst working Brits, is the idea of tackling each project in short, sharp time bursts. If you switch your focus to another task when you start to lose concentration, you will find that when you return to that task, your level of productivity will have largely increased. Establishing a time management and applying it in the work place will contribute to reducing pressure and will aid in constructing a level of organization to your work load.  

This applies to the work load to be tackled out the office outside working hours. Where possible, prioritize and limit the amount of work to be undertaken outside the office. Focus on what is most urgent and what can wait, and give yourself a time limit to finish the task. Although this may seem easier said than done, your productivity levels will certainly increase and stress levels are likely to decrease. It is important to remember that long hours don’t necessarily equate to quality production.

Take care of yourself

When you’re faced with a plethora of projects and responsibilities, it is easy to forget about number one. Ensure that you give yourself a substantial break. Skipping lunch hour seems like preferred choice when you have deadlines to meet and projects to juggle. But this is the opportunity to take time out, refresh your mind and prepare for the afternoon ahead, and where possible, remove yourself from the office. Don’t skip food. Ensure you eat a substantial lunch. Nibbling on a packet of crisps whilst sitting at your desk wont suffice in this instance unfortunately.

Don’t be afraid to say no.

Often in the workplace, feeling the pressure to agree to whatever project comes your way feels like the only option. However, agreeing to undertake projects that you know you cannot deliver to the full of your potential due to a heavy work load is unproductive. Maintaining an awareness of your limit and your workload is crucial in determining what projects you can agree to, and when to stop and say no. In most cases, it is more valuable to work on tasks to the best of your ability, then spread yourself thin and juggle copious amounts of projects that you know you cannot complete to the best of your ability. Don’t put pressure on yourself to take on more tasks than you know you can complete. It is ok to say no sometimes.

Talk

Discuss the issues you are facing with someone who can help. We all remember the cheesy line “a problem shared is a problem halved”. Yes, it is cheesy, but it’s true.  There is always someone who can help. When you bring awareness to your employers of the issues you are facing, you will find you feel less guilt or pressure for taking time out and saying no to tasks you cannot complete. Don’t forget, your employers want the best for you and will more than likely do all they can to help take some pressure off you reduce your stress levels.

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