Employment Spot

Five Solutions to Relieving Workplace Stress

Many things can go wrong at work, and depending on the type of industry you are in or the job you have, your stress level may be high even on a good day. When things go wrong in the workplace, you may need to find some ways to relax or reduce your anxiety. Some people handle pressure better than others, and it is important to know yourself and how much stress you can take. Many people actually perform better with a little bit of stress. Any journalist will tell you that great work has emerged in tense situations with a deadline looming. However, when certain situations crop up at work, here are a few pointers about how to handle them. It is often the smallest stresses that can break the camel’s back. These are all relatively minor situations that can really increase office anxiety and irritate you or those around you. Follow these tips to stay calm in upsetting situations and maintain high levels of efficiency and productivity.

• Fire Drills
  The alarm always seems to sound right before an important meeting or during your most productive hour of the day. Before getting up from your desk, count to three, and grab something to keep you occupied while you wait. Even the sports section of the morning paper will help distract you from the boredom of standing around while everyone vacates your building. Use the time to enjoy the outdoors or chat with a coworker you have not seen in awhile.
  
• Lunch Never Shows Up 
  Many workplaces order lunch for employees a few times per month or on Fridays. As people gather around to eat they talk about business, get to know one another and relax for a few minutes in the middle of the day. There may be an occasional problem with getting a large order, however. When lunch doesn’t arrive, people may become cranky or frustrated. Ease tension by suggesting that everyone walk together to a local deli or offer to donate quarters to the vending machine for snacks. Tell your supervisor that you are willing to pick up an alternative while other people keep working. Be a part of the solution, not a part of the problem.
  
• Internet is Down 
  Nothing is more irritating than sitting at work waiting for technical problems to be remedied. During these situations your boss may take advantage of the situation by pulling everyone together for an impromptu meeting. If not, take a few minutes to organize your desk. Walk around the office and say hello to coworkers you normally email. Take a few minutes to update your calendar. No matter what, remain productive and show your supervisor that you can cheerfully handle setbacks without complaint.
  
• Your Coworker Is Sick 
  Occasionally, a coworker may come down with a flu bug. The only thing more irritating than a missing coworker is a coworker who cannot stop coughing, so be grateful when a sick colleague takes the day off. Never degrade a sick coworker or question his or her honesty. This behavior will appear to others as immature and selfish. Pitch in and offer to take on any necessary duties so that business will not suffer while your office mate is out sick.
  
• Long Meetings
  Again, make sure that you contribute to the solution and not the problem. Many employees complain about long meetings but, when it is their turn to talk, will take much more time than necessary. It may be uncomfortable to speak to your boss about this issue, so you may want to help fix this irritating dilemma by leading by example. When you are required to speak during meetings, do so succinctly and briefly. Include all relevant data but do not expound upon information that others already know. Keep opinions to yourself and focus on facts. If asked for your advice, minimize your response time. Try to avoid asking vague questions of the whole group – focus your queries instead on specific individuals.

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