Insights
5 Steps To Manage Stress At Work
Glassdoor Team
Glassdoor Team | Author & Career Expert at Glassdoor | 6 Nov 2019
Stress has become such a widespread problem in the workplace that the World Health Organization (WHO) classified “Burnout” as an occupational phenomenon. The WHO defines: “Burnout is a syndrome conceptualised as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.”
To help you manage stress in the workplace, and to mark National Stress Awareness Day, here are five steps from Glassdoor:
Find A Job That Fits Your Life
First and foremost, it’s important to remember that work is only one part of your life. Without a good work-life balance, it’s natural that stress will build and become more difficult to manage.
Negotiate flexible working or flexi-hours with your employer if you have commitments or hobbies outside of the workplace that make the traditional 9-5 untenable. Many employers are very understanding and happy to provide flexibility, however you can’t expect them to come to you. Make sure you have this conversation at the earliest opportunity - ideally, during the interview process - and consider requesting that any agreement gets made in writing.
Time Management
Poor time management is one of the most common root causes of workplace stress. The good news is that there are many ways to fix it.
To effectively manage your time, start with a clear understanding of which existing tasks need to be completed, by when, and for whom. A wealth of online tools exist to record these tasks and help with time management, or there’s always the traditional pen and paper to-do list, but it’s crucial to make sure this list is created. Start each day knowing what tasks you are going to tackle from your to-do list; be realistic, don’t take on too much and prioritise against deadlines.
Exercise
Yes, this can be hard if you feel that you don’t have enough time or if you simply don’t have the motivation. However you do not have to spend an hour in the gym, a brisk ten-minute walk at lunchtime can be enough to see health benefits in and out of the workplace and keep stress at bay
Eat Well
It’s a natural desire to reach for the closest sugary snack or comfort food when stress hits, however this short term hit will not improve your wellbeing in the long run.
Cut out refined carbohydrates such as white flour based foods and sugar. Craving sugar is a tell tale sign of stress. Foods such as dark green vegetables, lentils, turkey, avocado and sesame seeds are packed with tryptophan so will help combat the craving.
You need vitamin B to help combat stress, so reduce your consumption of substances that deplete it from your body in the detox process, such as sugar, caffeine, nicotine and alcohol.
Communicate
If your stress is becoming increasingly hard to manage, or your workload is spiralling out of control, speak to someone. Your line manager is a great first port of call for work-based matters. They will be able to advise how to make your workload more manageable, propose training that might help, and help you delegate some of your tasks if needed. Outside of the office, lean on your friends, family or partner where possible. As the saying goes: A problem shared is a problem halved.
Glassdoor Team
Our team of savvy experts are here to help you, whether you’re navigating your career or working to make your company culture shine. Glassdoor has the unique insights and guidance you need to experience your best worklife. Stick around to learn how to prepare for an interview, negotiate your salary, develop DEI programs, engage your employees, understand the state of the job market, and more. Check out our community to share and learn from professionals just like you too.
Tags:Stress
