Develop plan to eliminate stress at work

Last week I began a discussion of stress in the workplace. Understanding the causes and effects of workplace stress is important as a basis for developing strategies for change.

Perhaps the most important component of any stress management program is the belief that options exist. Feeling trapped, without choices, is perhaps the greatest stressor of all.

Develop a plan for either changing the environmental stress in the workplace and/or changing your response to this stress. Discussing your concerns and suggestions for change with a person in a supervisory capacity can often yield positive results. Often, outlining these details in writing is helpful. If your supervisor is unavailable, unapproachable or unwilling to listen, then perhaps someone else in a position in authority can be of assistance.

In addition to attempting to change the stressful situation, begin to look at ways you can change your response to this stress.

• Be appropriately assertive and don’t feel guilty about stetting boundaries, limits and saying no when necessary.

• Recognize that stressful situations are often results of someone else’s inefficiency and tendency to manage by reactive, crisis techniques rather than proactive postures.

• Personal problems can cause individuals to not function in a healthy manner. In these situations, recognizing that you did not cause these problems and are therefore not responsible for their consequences is important. Seek support from others in order to clarify your position and avoid being a scapegoat.

• Practice relaxation skills and avoid using unhealthy escape mechanisms such as alcohol or drugs. Exercise is an excellent way to deal with stress and the biochemical effects of tension and pressure. Take a brisk walk at lunch or exercise regularly after work.

• Become more efficient with your own time and learn to avoid “time-wasters” such as unnecessary phone calls, “drop-ins” who have nothing better to do than gossip and pass the time. Strive for meetings with a focus and agenda along with a leader who is committed to keep things moving during the meeting.

If the stressful workplace situation is unchangeable and the price that the individual is having to pay is too great, then seeking options of other employment may be necessary. Changing jobs for the right reason is nothing to be ashamed of and may lead to a much healthier situation in the long run.

Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D. Copyright 1999