Coping With Job Stress

Generally, job stress is referred to as the challenges in the workplace; however the concept of work related stress is entirely different from challenges. A challenge motivates an employee to learn and master new skills, whereas job stress depletes the energy as well as the enthusiasm to work. There are a number of symptoms that indicate job stress such as lack of proper sleep, loss of concentration, anxiety, depression and physical illness.

Causes of job stress: There are a number of reasons for job stress. Poor working conditions, work pressure and demands of the employers are some of the major reasons leading to employee dissatisfaction and non-attachment to the workplace, resulting in job stress. Some of the main causes are discussed below.

Job Insecurity: Job insecurity is one of the main causes of stress among employees. Cost cutting techniques employed by several organizations because of mergers, takeovers, downsizing and other changes, often leads to tension and frustration among workers.

Increase In Demand For Performance: High demands on performance and impractical expectations have become one of the main contributing factors to work related stress. Long working hours and severe pressure to perform well, excessive travel and being away from the family because of work has left employees drained both physically and emotionally.

Work Culture: Adapting to a working culture is very important and requires the ability to adjust quickly to a new environment. It involves adapting to communication patterns and dress code as well as the behavioral patterns of the employer and the co-worker. Maladjustment to the working conditions could lead to silent or violent conflicts with colleagues or bosses. It is often observed that office politics and gossip have also led to job stress.

Technological Advancements: Due to the latest technological advancements in computers, pagers and mobile phones have increased employer's expectations for productivity, efficiency and speed, thereby leading to increased level of job stress.

Ways To Cope With Job Related Stress

The popular proverb "where there is a will, there is a way" fits well here. Every problem comes with a solution, but one needs to work towards implementing it. Coping with job related stress is the responsibility of both the employer as well as the employee. The following tips will help you cope with job related stress:

Do Not Pressure Yourself: It is important to keep your cool whenever you face pressure at work. As an employee, you need to remember that you can work better with calm and patience. There may be intense pressure from your employer, but you need not let it hamper your mental stability in away that your efficiency is damaged.

Talk to HR: Many organizations hire Human Resources or HR executives who function as a link between the employer and employee. You can approach them and talk about the stresses you face.

It is essential to deal with job stress so that it does not take a physical or emotional toll on you. Taking up a hobby or working out goes a long way toward relieving job stress.

Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solution's Six Sigma Online ( http://www.sixsigmaonline.org ) offers online six
sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.