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There is no doubt that work today can be busy and stressful. With targets to reach, sales to be made and deadlines to meet, it is no wonder that many people are finding their work life is leaving them stressed and depressed. And with the added pressures of impending redundancies, it is not surprising that many workers are keeping quiet about their problems and hoping not to be forced out of their jobs.
The sad truth is that when redundancies are threatened, those workers who are suffering from stress, or are unable to cope with the demands of their job, are an obvious choice. Experts in employment law advice have noted that as job opportunities decrease during a recession, workers fear that there is always another candidate waiting in the wings to take their place. Employees suffering from stress will often keep quiet and try to disguise their problems, making their symptoms worse. Thankfully, many employers are sympathetic when it comes to stress in the workplace, but sometimes this isn’t the case and if teams are being cut, an employee who is struggling could be the first to go.
What is Stress?
Stress is a physical response to things and events that make you feel uncomfortable or out of control. In small amounts, stress is actually very useful in the workplace, as it gives you the edge during that important presentation or sharpens your concentration for a make-or-break sales meeting. But too much stress can lead to major physical and psychological health problems.
Stressed workers may find themselves unable to cope with even the simplest of tasks and feeling overwhelmed by everything around them. As well as affecting sleep, stress can cause depression and mental breakdowns. Physically, stress will leave you feeling exhausted and can often be the cause of stomach problems or headaches.
Avoiding Stress
Try to recognize when you are most affected by stress and be proactive in avoiding the events that trigger stress. A simple trick is to take a break as soon as you feel your stress level rise. Go and make a drink or take a quick walk outside – five minutes out of the office can lower your blood pressure and help you to relax.
Relaxation is important when it comes to fighting stress, so make sure you are getting plenty of down time. Stress may make you feel like you’re not getting enough done, but actually having time to relax and unwind will help you be more productive.
Learn to communicate better at work and delegate when you need to. If you are overwhelmed with projects, ask the team to help you out and don’t feel you have to shoulder all of the responsibility alone. Also, don’t be afraid to speak out when something is bothering you, as clearing the air can be very therapeutic.
Don’t Be Afraid to Talk
If you can, talk to your boss and explain the pressures that are making you feel stressed. A good manager will want to keep stress in the workplace to a minimum and will be sympathetic to your problems, looking for ways to help you move forward. However, if you are worried about impending redundancy, consult the experts at firms such as employmentadvicenow.co.uk, who can offer guidance on a variety of issues in the workplace.
Robert is an ardent copywriter and blogger, and loves to share his knowledge on employment through content on the internet. Share your thoughts on this article to @RGWE.
