Overcoming Workplace Stress

Personal mastery of stress begins by recognising that it is a palpable force in the workplace, one for which you must proactively prepare.  Of course, a certain amount of stress is the norm in any serious business, but recognising its signs and symptoms is essential for diminishing and controlling detrimental reactions associated with it.

Accepting a degree of chaos becomes part of the challenge.  Instead of looking at change and uncertainty as a series of calamities, you can reframe these situations as exhilarating experiences that provide opportunities. In other words, be resilient.

Other ways I try to provide less stressful alternatives is by making information of global best practices available to you through My Blog Mail each week amongst other means of communication I adopt, and encourage, and creating series of platforms for play and fun while we work.

As an individual, you can reduce stress by inducing a positive mental state before or during stressful situations.  You can learn techniques to refocus your mind before you succumb to stress, thereby reducing the time and energy needed to reestablish a calm, thoughtful state. One simple technique I use and recommend is for you to stop whatever work you are doing occasionally and walk around the office, and if you can, walk down the street and back. It does great wonders for me.

If you are a supervisor, recognising your subordinate’s strengths and expressing appreciation for the jobs they do are key stress-management components.  Studies show appreciation-generating techniques can reduce the production of cortisol (the stress hormone), lower blood pressure, improve hormonal balance and increase the body’s production of antibodies that fight pathogens.

The organisation must also refrain from imposing unreasonable productivity requirements, while individuals must recognise their limits, a difficult prospect for high achievers.

A company can also reduce stress by changing its corporate culture, including increased awareness of the value of appreciation and positive emotions. We try to practice this in my own organisation Resource Intermediaries Limited.

So my dear blog subscriber, I hope you will work healthier from today. Work at it.