Causes of workplace stress
According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and SafetyOpens a new website in a new window, there are several factors that can lead to stress in the workplace.
Task design
This can include workload, meaningfulness of work, autonomy, how your skills and abilities match your work demands, how much your work is appreciated and workplace isolation.
Your role
This can include having too many bosses, conflicting job demands, unclear responsibilities or expectations and how much responsibility you have.
Career development
This can include rate of promotion, amount of job security, job satisfaction and career growth opportunity.
Interpersonal work relationships
This can include how you interact with supervisors and co-workers, whether you experience harassment, prejudice or discrimination and if there are workplace systems in place to deal with unacceptable behaviour.
Organizational structure
This can include how your workplace communicates, recognizes job performance, involves employees in decision-making and supports employees with their policies and programs.
Work-life balance
This can include conflicts related to your role or responsibilities or family exposure to work-related hazards.
Workplace conditions
This can include exposure to unpleasant or hazardous situations such as bad ergonomics, noise, chemicals, air quality, temperature, crowding, odours, etc.
5 ways of managing workplace stress
If you’re experiencing stress at work, there are many strategies to deal with it.
Talk with your supervisor, co-workers
Share what you’re facing with your leaders so they know you’re struggling, and so they can work with you to create a plan to manage your workplace stress.
You can also talk with your colleagues about whether they’re having the same experiences and get suggestions for how they dealt with them.
Maximize your workplace benefits
Take all the vacation time you’re allotted and use that time to unplug from work and recharge. See if your employer has an employee assistance program (EAP) and use those resources to your benefit. If you have workplace health benefits such as massages or counselling, make the most of those as well.
Set realistic goals
Work with your manager to create realistic goals and deadlines, followed up by regular progress reports so you can adjust your goals if necessary. Identify what you’re good and not as good at and try your best at all times.
Make time for family and friends
Your loved ones are there to give and accept support and share life’s joys and sorrows. Make time for family meals and events, movies and game nights.
Seek personal growth
Look for non-work activities that give you purpose and satisfaction. Volunteer in your community. Find a hobby that you enjoy. Try journaling or other ways of expressing yourself. Set other non-work goals for yourself. Eat right and stay fit.