Workplace stressors can seriously impact your productivity. Although it’s true that mild workplace stressors can be good for productivity, too much stress can kill your workflow. Whether it’s from an on-the-job deadline or a personal conflict with colleagues or friends, we all face stress in our day-to-day lives. Due to modern technology, mobile devices and social media have increased the number of distractions in the workplace and this has caused a new phenomenon: FOMO (fear of missing out). To learn how to minimize your own stress levels—and lower production costs while increasing employee satisfaction—read this article!
What is Stress?
Most people experience some degree of stress at work. But what exactly are workplace stressors? Stress is the body’s response to any demands placed on it. When we feel overwhelmed or under pressure, our bodies release hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones prepare us to either fight or flight. This “fight-or-flight” response is helpful in short bursts, but it can be harmful if we constantly feel stressed. Chronic stress can lead to anxiety, depression, and even physical health problems like heart disease and obesity.
What are the causes of Workplace Stress?
According to the American Institute of Stress, job stress is “the health epidemic of the 21st century.” And it’s no wonder—with long hours, demanding bosses, and challenging workloads, work can be a major source of stress.
But while some amount of stress is inevitable, there are ways to manage it so that it doesn’t take over your life. Here are some of the most common causes of workplace stress—and what you can do to deal with them.
One of the most common causes of workplace stressor is feeling like you’re not in control of your work. If you’re constantly being bombarded with last-minute deadlines and changes to your workload, it can be hard to feel like you’re in control. To combat this, try to create a system for yourself where you can stay organized and on top of your work. This may mean setting aside time each day to plan out your tasks or breaking down larger projects into smaller goals that you can accomplish over time.
Another common cause of workplace stress is feeling like you’re not supported by your coworkers or managers. Let’s understand the details of what causes workplace stress
Workplace Stressor Cause 1: Cumulative Workload
We often find ourselves in stages of high workload and low workload. The workload is sometimes cyclical in nature and allows individuals to rejuvenate and regather after spells of high workload. Employers and employees both feel overworked. If an employee doesn’t want to experience physical and emotional fatigue, they should prioritize. Sometimes poor time management skills may lead to excessive workload. So, prioritization techniques are the most important workplace training one can ever have.
Workplace Stressor Cause 2: Whimsical and Unrealistic Demands
When your demands are unrealistic, frustrations and anger set in. Instead of struggling to fulfill these expectations, realize what you can do to meet them. You are experiencing difficulty completing your tasks. You may need more time, based on the excessive amount of work. Communicate this to management, and put forward inspiring ideas on how to complete the task within a different milestone. Forcing yourself to meet unrealistic demands will lead to negative feelings, so if you’re not going to budge on the details, your best defense is to stay focused on the facts.
Workplace Stressor Cause 3: Change in Organization Hierarchy
When the workplace and expectations are not clear, people may feel uncertain. The SCARF model addresses this by highlighting that people actively seek certainty over uncertainty. To get through an organizational change, try to understand the meaning of the change. Consider the change at a higher level and then think about what it means for you on a personal level. Change can be positive – focus on the opportunities present in your new environment. Don’t worry about the threats you perceive! Developing a growth mindset in a change in the hierarchy is very important to survive and excel during the change management process.
Workplace Stressor Cause 4: Low Recognition
If you don’t feel like your work is valued, take a look at the quality of your work. Figure out what actions need to be taken in order to increase the quality of your work. Consider how what you put out is seen by others. You may need to highlight how hard you worked and why it should be taken seriously. If the question is not about quality or visibility, it could be a question of management style. Negative or positive?
Workplace Stressor Cause 5: Job Security
Lack of clarity of role or job security is a major cause of workplace stress. Though there are no prescribed solutions for the same, it is always advisable to find a role where the position, as well as the financials of the organization, are stable. It can help overcome major areas of workplace stressors
Workplace Stressor Cause 6: Interpersonal Relationships
Interpersonal Relationships affect the workplace environment.
People are able to perceive what type of person you are, so it’s important to understand how they see you. If they think that you’re someone who’s constantly sad or is invested in negative thoughts, then make an effort to fix these problems by identifying the message your emotions are telling you and fixing them.
Workplace Stressor Cause 7: Harassment and a Toxic Work Culture
Bullying and sexual harassment is a prevalent, detrimental issue that leads to negative consequences on all fronts, but they can still happen in the workplace. If you’re feeling bullied or harassed, take steps to protect yourself. Document the situation, share it with the appropriate person in your company, and you can call on your social network for moral support. Remind yourself of your worth.
Workplace Stressor Cause 8: Poor Ergonomics
There are many studies that have connected poor ergonomics with workplace stress. Workplace stressor may be caused by the wrong posture in the job or working constantly in unsanitary conditions. It also results in strong withdrawal symptoms or having no motivation to join the work on a Monday
What are the different types of Workplace Stressors?
There are four different types of stressors: physical, mental, emotional, and chemical.
- Physical stress is caused by factors like poor posture, uncomfortable working conditions, repetitive motion, and lack of exercise.
2. Mental stress is caused by factors like unrealistic deadlines, excessive workloads, and multitasking.
3. Emotional stress is caused by factors like anxiety, depression, and grief.
4. Chemical stress is caused by factors like poor nutrition, sleep deprivation, and substance abuse.
All four types of stress can have a negative impact on productivity at work. To avoid or minimize workplace stressors, it is important to identify the causes of stress and take steps to mitigate them. For example, if physical stress is a problem, ergonomic interventions like adjustable desks and chairs can help. If mental stress is a problem, time management techniques and delegation can help. If emotional stress is a problem, therapy or counseling may be necessary. If chemical stress is a problem, getting enough rest and eating a healthy diet is essential.
By identifying the causes of workplace stressors and taking steps to address them, it is possible to improve productivity and reduce stress levels.
How do Workplace stressors affect your mood?
1. Stressors can have a negative impact on your mood, making you feel irritable and anxious. It can also affect your ability to concentrate and make decisions.
2. Stressors can also cause physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and muscle tension.
3. If you’re feeling stressed at work, there are some things you can do to help improve your mood and productivity.
4. First, try to take some time for yourself during the day to relax and unwind. This can be something as simple as taking a few minutes to take a walk or listen to music.
5. Second, make sure you’re taking breaks throughout the day to avoid getting overwhelmed. Get up and stretch your legs or get a drink of water every so often.
6. Finally, try to set realistic goals for yourself and focus on one task at a time. Don’t try to do too much at once or you’ll just end up feeling frustrated.
Ways to effectively handle workplace Stressors?
There are a few key ways to handle workplace stressors in order to improve productivity.
By utilizing these techniques, it is possible to effectively handle workplace stressors and improve productivity. The blog identifies many scientifically proven techniques to reduce workplace stress and help you develop mental, physical, and spiritual well-being at your workplace.
Ways to Handle Workplace Stressors 1: Be Less Reactive
One of the best ways to handle workplace stressors is to be less reactive. This means not getting worked up over small things and not taking everything personally. If you can learn to take a step back and not let the little things bother you, you’ll find that your stress levels will go down and your productivity will improve.
Ways to Handle Workplace Stressors 2: Don’t Let Your Work Overwhelm You
Another way to deal with workplace stressors is to make sure that you don’t let your work overwhelm you. This can be difficult, but it’s important to set limits for yourself. Make sure that you take breaks during the day and that you leave work on time. Don’t try to do too much at once, or you’ll just end up feeling stressed out.
Ways to Handle Workplace Stressors 3: Find a Balance Between Work and Life
Easier said than done. One of the most important ways to deal with workplace stressors is to find a balance between work and life. This means making time for yourself outside of work. Spend time with your friends and family, or pursue a hobby that you’re passionate about. It’s important to have a life outside of work, or else you’ll just end up burning out.
Ways to Handle Workplace Stressors 4: Seek out Problem Solvers
If you want to handle workplace stressors effectively, it is important to seek out problem solvers. These are people who can help you to identify the root cause of your stressor and find ways to address it. They may be able to offer advice or provide the support that can help you to feel more relaxed and productive in your job.
When you are seeking out problem solvers, it is important to look for people who have a positive attitude. These people will be more likely to help you find solutions rather than dwell on the problems. It is also helpful to find people who are experienced in dealing with stressors. They will be able to offer valuable advice on how to cope with stressful situations.
Once you have found a few problem solvers, it is important to keep them close. You can do this by meeting with them regularly or staying in touch via email or social media. This will help you to stay on top of your stress and make sure that you are taking steps to address it effectively.
Ways to Handle Workplace Stressors 5: Take Time for Yourself
If you’re feeling stressed at work, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Many people feel the same way. The important thing is to find ways to cope with the stress so that it doesn’t affect your job performance.
One of the best ways to deal with workplace stressors is to trust your work placement. This means believing in yourself and your ability to do the job. It’s normal to feel a bit stressed when starting a new job, but try to remember that you were chosen for the position because your employer believes in your ability to do it. Trusting yourself will help you stay calm and focused when things get tough.
Another way to deal with workplace stressors is to take breaks when you need them. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, step away from your work for a few minutes. Take a walk, listen to some music, or talk to a friend. Taking a break will help you clear your head and come back to your work feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the task at hand.
Finally, don’t forget to ask for help when you need it. If you’re feeling really stressed, talk to your boss or a trusted co-worker. They might just be able to help you out.
Ways to Handle Workplace Stressors 6: Identity what you cannot change
One of the best ways to handle workplace stressors is to identify what you can and cannot change. Many things that cause stress at work are beyond our control, such as deadlines, demanding clients, or office politics. However, there are often a few things that we can change, such as how we approach our work, how we communicate with our colleagues, or how we take care of ourselves.
Identifying what you can and cannot change can help you to focus your energy on the things that you can actually affect. This can make a big difference in your stress levels and your overall productivity.
Ways To Handle Workplace Stressors 7: Communicate with Your Manager
Communicating with your manager about workload and upcoming deadlines can also help reduce stress in the workplace. This communication should include an honest assessment of what you can realistically accomplish in the time available. It is also important to communicate any potential concerns or problems that may arise. By doing this, you can work together to find solutions that will help keep the work on track and avoid any unnecessary stress.
Ways To Handle Workplace Stressors 8: Promote good outlets in the workplace
It is important for employers to promote good outlets for stress relief in the workplace. This can include things like yoga classes, meditation rooms, or even just quiet areas where employees can take a break. By providing these outlets, employers can help employees to manage their stress in a healthy way.
In addition to promoting good outlets for stress relief, employers should also try to create a work environment that is free from unnecessary stressors. This means things like having clear expectations for employees, providing adequate resources, and having a fair and consistent system for managing workloads. By creating a less stressful work environment, employers can help to improve employee productivity.
Ways To Handle Workplace Stressors 9: Lessen expectations always on the newest technology
1. It can be difficult to keep up with the latest technology, especially in the workplace. expecting employees to be constantly up-to-date on the newest software or hardware can create a lot of stress. Instead, try to give employees a break from always having to be on the cutting edge. Allow them to use older versions of products or take some time off from learning new technologies.
2. Training employees on how to use new technologies can also be a source of stress. Employees may feel like they are not being able to keep up with their peers or that they are not understanding the material. To ease this stress, provide training that is clear and concise. Make sure employees have all the resources they need, such as manuals or online tutorials, so they can successfully learn the new technology.
3. Finally, some employees may feel like they are not using their skills when they are using technology that is simpler than what they are used to. When possible, try to assign tasks that will challenge them and make use of their skills. This will help them feel more engaged and less stressed at work.
There are a number of things you can do to improve self-care and reduce stress at work. First, try to incorporate some relaxation techniques into your daily routine. This could involve things like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises. It’s also important to eat a healthy diet and to get enough sleep. Lastly, try to develop some healthy habits, such as exercising regularly and spending time outdoors.
Ways To Handle Workplace Stressors 10: Improve self-care with relaxation techniques, nutrition, and habits
There are a number of things you can do to improve self-care and reduce stress at work. First, try to incorporate some relaxation techniques into your daily routine. This could involve things like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises. It’s also important to eat a healthy diet and to get enough sleep. Lastly, try to develop some healthy habits, such as exercising regularly and spending time outdoors.
Ways To Handle Workplace Stressors 11: Appreciate what you have that your coworkers might not
It can be easy to forget how good we have it at our jobs, especially when stress levels are high. It’s important to remember that not everyone has the same opportunities and advantages that we do. Our coworkers might not have the same job security, benefits, or salary that we do. Appreciating what we have can help us to feel more positive and motivated at work.
Conclusion
All in all, a little bit of stress can be beneficial to workplace productivity. However, when stress reaches high levels, it can lead to burnout and interfere with work performance. To stay productive while managing workplace stressors, it’s important to find healthy ways to cope with the pressure. The tips above are some great starting points for managing workplace stressors in a way that will improve, rather than hinder, productivity.
Samrat is a Delhi-based MBA from the Indian Institute of Management. He is a Strategy, AI, and Marketing Enthusiast and passionately writes about core and emerging topics in Management studies. Reach out to his LinkedIn for a discussion or follow his Quora Page