WORKPLACE STRESSORS

Stressors in the Workplace:

      setting unrealistic goals for work completion

      Happens when an unrealistic time-tables or when several tasks are given at the same time.

      number of working hours in a day

      There is a point of diminishing return for increased expectations if the productive limit of working hours in a day is exceeded.

      Interruptions

      Frequent interruptions accounts for tremendous loss of productivity.  It is not necessary to answer every single phone call or to check e-mails too frequently.  Daily interruptions can accumulate to become a significant amount of work time loss in a year.

      external environment

      Among the external environmental stressors are: noise, temperature, lighting, etc.

      competing for performance

      Do not compete with others at work.  Do the job to the best of abilities and only compete with oneself in improving performance.

      having to deal with a violent, abusive or inconsiderate person

      It is important to confront the person in a very controlled manner.  Look at the person in the eye and speak in a very serene but firm tone when talking to them.

       feeling of job insecurity

      The recommendation is:

      do a good job

      be an important asset of the organization by being versatile and adaptable,

      knowledgeable in all the areas of your job

      take the initiative to do what is needed at work

      train and continuous education

      remain abreast of the recent technology development and not become obsolete

      distinguish oneself from the pack

      work harder when the cat is away

      give credit to the group

      be aware of the boss who is feeling professionally threatened and be supportive

      In general and at work, it is important that to make the boss look good

      in assignments, go that one extra mile in doing the job.

      avoid falling in the rat pack syndrome.

      Another approach is to prepare for self-employment.  Take a course in marketing, finance or entrepreneurship.  Network with others.  Talk to others who had followed that road.

SHARED FROM:

            Victor M. Rojas, Brian H. Kleiner, (2000),"The Art and Science of Effective Stress Management", Management Research News, Vol. 23 Iss: 7 pp. 103 – 106