IDENTIFY, PREVENT AND MANAGE YOUR STRESS AT WORKPLACE

                        Identify, Prevent and Manage Workplace Stress

    

John started working as an IT security intern at ABC building solutions where he was the only person responsible to ensure the security of the computer systems and software of the company. After one week, he started working he was given a heavy workload with tight deadlines and the company wanted to analyse and ensure the security of their systems before his internship finished in 3 months. He understood that the work was too much for one person within the given timeline but he worked hard day and night to reach the targets because the internship was so important to him. After a few weeks, he started to suffer from headaches, sleeping difficulties, hard to concentrate but he ignored them and kept focusing on his work to reach the targets. But, his symptoms got increased, got depression and finally was unable to work or complete his internship properly.

This is a small story that is common in today's workplaces. John could have taken early precautions to manage this situation and his stress at work and could have been successful at his internship. He got challenged with unattainable workloads, targets and deadlines and because he was working so hard by himself without discussing his situation for a long time he got stressed physically and mentally making him unable to perform well further.

Therefore, it is important that employers as well as employees understand the reasons for workplace stress. Some of the main causes of workplace-related stress are long hours at work, heavy workload, tight deadlines, changes to duties, boring work, job insecurity, over-supervision, harassment, discrimination, poor relationships with colleagues or bosses, and many more.

It has become a challenge for employers or employees themselves to identify whenever they are under stress. But you may be under stress if you feel physical symptoms such as fatigue, muscular tension, headaches, heart palpitations, or sleeping difficulties because of your workplace. If you or your employees show symptoms such as depression, anxiety, discouragement, irritability, feelings of being overwhelmed and unable to cope, concentrate or make decisions, an increase in sick days or absenteeism, aggression, diminished creativity and initiative, a drop in work performance, problems with interpersonal relationships or mood swings and irritability then that person is under stress. 

However, there are many ways to prevent and manage workplace stress. As in the story of John, he had a responsibility as an individual to look after himself. If he discussed his issues and workload with his work supervisor and made arrangements earlier he could have worked without any stress and managed work by himself. If you are unable to manage work make changes in the way you work, organize your work, and take necessary actions to reduce stress. Work is important but you need to take care of yourself with a healthy diet, regular exercise, try relaxation methods and seek professional counselling. 

Also, employers are responsible to recognise work-related stress as a significant health and safety issue and take necessary steps such as ensuring a safe working environment, discussing issues with employees and take necessary actions, understanding the capacity of work for each employee and cutting down on the need for overtime by reorganising duties or employing extra staff. 

By identifying and taking necessary action to prevent stress at the work, workplace productivity will be increased, there will be greater job satisfaction, sick or staff turnover will be reduced, and many more benefits to the organization and there will be fewer stress issues among employees like John who can be more productive for the company.