Stress in the Workplace: A Need for Stress Management

It seems that more and more of us go to a job filled with stress and aggravation. A few stress management tips are in order when it seems the money we make is not worth the effort we expend dealing with rude co-workers -- and even bosses! -- in the workplace.

By recognizing the factors that can lead to on the job stress you can manage stress enough to minimize any bad effects it may have on you.

Here are three things that can make any job a nightmare -- rude co-workers, mean bosses, and heavy work loads -- and some suggestions on how to manage stress that you feel because of them.

Dealing with a jerk at work can make any job seem like torture. How can you possibly do your best work when part of your job consists of working with ill-mannered idiots?

You have alternative choices in dealing with this type of situation. Do a bit of evaluation first -- is this something that really bothers you or can you stand it? Step back and decide what level of discomfort it brings you -- do you get mad or can you shrug off some of you co-worker's rudeness?

On some occasions all it takes is a bit of disinterest on your part -- just enough to ignore that fool. Sometimes ignoring the rudeness does not work and you may decide to confront the person one-on-one. There are times when the guy (or gal) is clueless to the fact that you consider their actions to be rude.

In some cases airing your grievance may be enough to relieve the stress. If talking things out with your co-worker doesn't get him to stop being rude, then it's time to go talk to the boss to explain that the bad behavior is negatively impacting your work performance. A boss who wants a productive work force will take it upon herself to consider the situation and, if necessary, confront the person giving you grief.

Sometimes the problem causing you the most workplace stress is a mean boss. Dealing with a bully for a boss can make every minute at work intolerable. Try and talk things out with your boss; sometimes a one-to-one chat is all that's needed to smooth things over.

On the off chance your talk with your mean boss doesn't work (or, heaven forbid, gets worse) you will need to go to a higher authority to explain what's going on. Be sure to bring a list of specific times and events so that you can prove your case against your boss's mean conduct with upper management or the Human Resources department.

Having to cope with meanness or spitefulness from a supervisor is uncalled for in any workplace. Your productivity eventually suffers due to the stress. There's no sense in letting this type of stress jeopardize your work performance.

Stress becomes inevitable when you have too much work and not enough time to complete it. Trying to be the most valuable employee is only possible when you accomplish the things you say you will do.

Ask for help as soon as you see you can use it; be a good team player when the tables turn and someone asks you for help. Magic can happen when people work as a team.

Stress in the workplace can come from various other things, but I've outlined only three sources in this article. Ultimately you will have to get clear on what causes you stress on the job and find a way of dealing with it.

You can win your personal battle against on the job stress. Win the battle even though the workplace is the ideal location for stress to chip away at those of us who need to work for a living.