Staying Cool When
Job Heats Up by Dale CollieJobs are heating up. We're all feeling pinch of hiring freezes and information overload. Workplace stress is increasing right along with workload.
Headaches are turning into migraines; back pains are driving us to chiropractor, and minor irritations are causing tempers to flair.
In addition to our personal reaction to stress, it is taking its toll on bottom line. Stress is driving up cost of health care, and we can see a huge impact in things like tardiness, absenteeism, personnel turnover, and accidents. The annual price tag of stress in corporate America is more than $150 billion.
While forecasters tell us we can expect more of same, we need our jobs, and we need to find ways to control stressors that are taking a affecting our health and productivity.
Here are 11 ways you can keep your cool and minimize impact of stress on your life.
Do your own job - When poor work habits of others create stress, remember why you're there. Pay attention to your own job. You will not be rated on performance of others, but boss will note quality of your work. Stay focused on job you were hired for, and let management deal with improving department or company. Don't get stressed about things that are not your responsibility.
Organization - Regardless of company expectations, you can alleviate a lot of your stress by organizing your work space and getting a firm grasp on work that must be done. Even if you have to pay for it yourself, get tools needed to organize your effort, e.g. files, furniture, PDAs, software, and training. Work with your boss to prioritize projects and routine tasks. Only get concerned about unfinished work if boss gives it a priority. You'll never get everything done, so pick most important and file everything else in an easy to reach file drawer.
Communication - It's important to maintain your supervisor's comfort level, so meet with them as often as necessary to keep them informed of projects and progress. Give them updates way they want them (email, memos, briefings, etc.), and persist in getting feedback that is so important in reducing stress. Use this same strategy with those who give you information or products to do your job and those who depend on what you give them. Good communication is essential for good stress control.
Interruptions - Avoid stressful interruptions by controlling your schedule and your communications. Establish times for meeting with those who want information from you and hold them to it. The more persistent you are, more organized they will be. Handle phone calls and respond to email during specific times. Develop a list of people and events that disrupt your job and work with each until it is under control.
Family Time - Family situations are among greatest stressors at work. There's an old axiom that says, "If momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy." It's true. Avoid future problems by prioritizing family time on your schedule and stick to it. Get professional help if you're unable to resolve sticky situations.
Exercise - More than 80% of all doctor's visits are stress related. Those who find time to exercise reduce stress, strengthen their immune system, and improve their well being. Do a little research and talk with experts to find out what fits your needs. Make exercise part of your work schedule if possible; don't let it cut into family time. Regular exercise can add years to your own life and make you more productive for your employer.
