Strategies for the Employee to Reduce/Prevent Work Stress

If you are feeling like work stress is taking over your life and affecting your personal well being as well as the quality of your work, then it’s probably time to begin learning how you can reduce the levels of stress caused by work. Because the causes of work stress and our reactions to it are so individualized, the strategies used to combat workplace stress are also quite varied. If you take a minute to look through these suggestions to reduce/prevent work stress, you'll likely find something that will help with your personal situation.

• Review a Copy of Your Job Description

  One of the most effective things you can do to reduce work stress is to make sure that you obtain a copy of your job description. If your employer can't offer you one, then talk with your boss and set a date to negotiate your job description. The APA (American Psychological Association) states that negotiating your job description "does more to dispel a sense of powerlessness than anything we know". By making sure you have a clear, concise description of your job you are saying an official "yes" to each one of your responsibilities. And you can make sure that both you and your employer have the same expectations. If there are things you are doing that aren't contained within your job description, and you are feeling overwhelmed by all the extra work you've taken on, you can begin working with your boss to delegate these responsibilities to others.

• Create a Calmer Morning

  If you are feeling stress going into work that definitely isn't going to help your cause! Try to get up a bit earlier, set your clocks 5 - 10 min. ahead, pack your lunch the night before. Whatever you can do to not have to rush to get ready and "just make it" to work will help you feel more at ease as you begin your day. This way, you can head into work with a much calmer feeling to help you combat any work stress that comes along.

• Try to Resist Perfectionism

  There is a desire to want to do your best and then, there is "perfectionism". Make sure that your goals are realistic and achievable. Also, If you are working with a team, don't allow your need for everything to be “just so”, to allow you to take on more work than you can handle. Work stress is the natural consequence of pushing yourself too hard.

• Try to Get Away From Work Each Day

  Don’t eat your lunch at your desk. Even if you can't get out to the park or a restaurant, try going to the lobby, or actually eating in the break room! Take a walk for your shorter work breaks. Maybe a walk around the block or just a step outside to get fresh air and a change of scenery, it will help your ability to cope with any stress from work you’ve felt. Plus, it breaks up your day, and gets you some exercise, which is a fantastic cure for stress of any kind!

• What Is Work Stress?
• Health Effects of Workplace Stress
• Causes of Workplace Stress
• Prevelance of Workplace Stress
• How Do You Know It's Work Stress
• Strategies for Reducing Work Stress for the Employee
• Strategies for Reducing Work Stress for the Employer
• Workplace Stress Myths and Facts
• Facts about Work Stress