‘Work is not a punishment; is our reward, strength and pleasure ‘George Sand
Unfortunately, there are a variety of factors that can make work a punishment. Here’s a more detailed look at some of the common reasons for job stress and tips for dealing with each situation.
A difficult boss
Unpleasant bosses have been caricatured in almost every humorous cartoon because they are such an important part of our lives. A difficult boss can be demanding, critical, intimidating, and narcissistic!
According to Lynn taylor, author of ‘Tame your terrible office tyrant‘Bad bosses can make employees worry about them for a whopping 19 hours a week (which includes weekends).
Robert Hosking, CEO of the Office team, suggests the following tips for dealing with a difficult boss
- If your boss is a bullyBe sure to explain things slowly and calmly. Avoid raising your voice in anger or defiance. But don’t back down; Explain your side clearly and succinctly.
- To handle a boss who is poor communicator, take the initiative and ask questions and clarify doubts prior to you get to work.
- If your boss is a saboteur(the kind that will always look for someone to blame), be sure to keep a record and document everything you do.
Keas, Executive Wellness Company, suggests that the best way to minimize stress while dealing with a toxic boss is to keep your business persona and personal feelings separate.
Bosses are often difficult due to various reasons that have nothing to do with you personally.
Stress from hostile coworkers
Every work environment has its share of bullies and difficult people – remember the next time you are feeling stressed because of a jealous and hostile coworker. According to statistics, more than 54 million Americans have complained of feeling intimidated and stressed by bullies at work.
According to Alan Caviola, Author of ‘Toxic collaborators‘and Professor of Psychological Counseling at Monmouth University, difficult co-workers can cause serious disturbances and stress.
Regardless of educational qualifications, professional experience, and skills, developing effective relationships at work is a key step toward stress relief, goal achievement, and career success.
Fortunately, there are several ways to avoid a bad co-worker. You can turn a difficult situation in your favor and even develop a friendly relationship with a hostile colleague.
Tips for dealing with co-workers from hell
1. Sit by a private chat with the colleague in question. Go out for coffee and express your feelings calmly and clearly.
2. Avoid talking behind the person’s back and playing the blame game. If you have a problem, talk to the person in question first and talk to your boss as a last resort.
3. Sometimes confrontation it may be the only solution. If you are uncomfortable with the idea of a conflict, practice rehearsing what you want to say ahead of time to avoid giving way to impulsive reactions.
4. Maintain your body language and relevant comments and avoid taking cheap shots even though she may be causing you to do so.
5. This may seem difficult, but stay unflappable, polite and very calm; Kill them with kindness! Unpleasant colleagues often thrive on drama and controversy; Do not fall into their trap!
Other options for dealing with bad co-workers could include the support of a third party such as an ally or the human resources representative. Above all, keep in mind your basic goal, which is to be open-minded and focused on improving your work experience.
Stress in a new job
While starting a new job can be exciting and challenging, it always involves some tension. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist, says that stress in a new job comes from a number of factors including having to prove yourself, adjust to new routines, and develop new relationships.
Linda, an actuary for an insurance firm, admitted that the first day at her new job, she felt like it was her first day at school! She remembered feeling nervous and apprehensive.
Durvasula suggests that for many people, a new job can trigger severe anxiety symptoms that could include sweating, insomnia, choking, or even trouble concentrating.
How to deal with stress in a new job
- Relax taking deep breaths every time you feel stressed; ask your co-workers for help and guidance.
- Stay away from ‘well-intentioned new worker syndrome’ and Avoid making negative and critical comments. about your new workplace
- Avoid punishing yourself with possible “what ifs” (what if I fail at my job / what my coworkers don’t like, etc.). Try to live in the moment.
- Treat your new job like a Learning environment; You may have some background, but mostly, you are there to learn.
- You can’t do everything on the first day of work. Observe and understand your tasks and take time to adjust.
- After you finish work and go home, relax by listening to music, going for a walk, or watching your favorite TV show. As much as possible, avoid socializing with your colleagues at this early stage.
- It’s a good idea to be friendly, but avoid getting into overly intense relationships with coworkers at first.
Take your time to feel your way. Observe the general rules of office work and avoid being in a rush to ingratiate yourself with your colleagues.
Resume
Unless we had the foresight to be born to millionaire parents, most of us have to work to live. It’s a good idea to learn to manage stress at work as we work for almost 40 years of our lives.