The business sphere is a competitive space. Employees and managers have to keep up with demands from customers, maintain industry standards and ensure smooth operations.
The pressure to keep up is massive. The body’s reaction to overwhelming pressure is known as stress.
Stress is more common than you think. The Health and Safety Enterprise reported that 595,000 employees suffered from work-related stress between 2017 and 2018 in the UK alone.
That accounts for almost 50% of illnesses reported in the workplace. One in every five visits to the general practitioner (GP) is due to psychological problems including stress.
Stress has seemingly become part of our everyday work life. It is a leading cause of depression, loss of self-confidence, loss of appetite, and general weakness.
Here is how to prevent and manage work-related stress.
1. Know Your Limits
Stress occurs when your body feels overwhelmed. If you feel rushed or inadequate in handling a task, your body declares a state of emergency. The result is a rush of energy and other chemicals.
To prevent this, do not take on more than you can handle. Pace yourself.
If you are a manager, consider delegating tasks to competent members of staff. If you realise any of your staff is overwhelmed, you can outsource the tasks.
If you are an employee, learn to say no. It hurts your performance and the business if you take on more tasks than you can handle. If this isn’t a choice, consider spacing your tasks so you only have to focus on one at a time.
2. Design Your Workspace to Reduce Stress
How your workstation is set up can prevent or add to your stress. To prevent stress, intentionally arrange your workspace to make you feel relaxed when you are working, prevent back pain, and increase your work performance.
Use chairs with a backrest and seats that are adjustable. To reduce glare, use a glare screen and make sure your office lighted appropriately and close blinds if the sun shining in is causing an issue.
3. Keep a Positive Mindset
Work-related stress is made worse by a negative outlook. If you believe things won’t work out well, your body begins to panic.
The trick is to have a positive mindset. This will give you the willpower to rise above pressure and meet up with demands
If you’re a manager, remember the following: all businesses face challenges, yours isn’t an exception. A positive mindset will help you evaluate your options clearly.
If you’re an employee, when you feel inadequate, remember you were hired to fulfil the specific role. Take that as an expression of faith in your ability and rise up to the task.
4. Have a Backup Plan
Stress is triggered by panic and anxiety. Your body is sensitive. When you feel things are not going well, your body begins to manifest symptoms of stress.
To prevent this, always have a backup plan. This will relax the pressure and help you focus
If you are a manager, a good insurance plan naturally puts your heart at ease. Knowing you have something to fall back on helps alleviate the anxiety.
If you’re an employee, keep an open line with your colleagues and superiors. Request for assistance when you feel unable to deliver. This will help you and the business.
