If you feel as though you job or your workplace is drowning you in stress, it probably is, but how you deal with that stress will determine how it may affect your health. Understand, a certain amount of stress is going to be in your life on almost a daily basis. It is how you handle workplace stress management is what is important.
Regardless of your position at your job, one of the first things you should do is obtain a firm definition of the expectations for your position. Most people experience failure at work by not performing up to a standard that is expected of the position in which they are in, even if those expectations have not been clearly communicated. A good beginning to any workplace stress management program is knowing what you need to do everyday to be considered doing your job.
Many supervisors fail in their positions, by not insuring that those reporting to them are not failing in theirs. If one of your direct reports is not doing their job and you allow them to get away with it, then the boss will likely hold you accountable for their lack of production. As a method of workplace stress management, most superiors are more understanding when informed a person was held accountable for not doing their job and the proper steps have been taken to insure appropriate productivity in the future.
Keep Monkey Off Your Back
Another common practice among supervisors is not being able to say no when a direct report asks them for help. They may inform their supervisor that they are unable to find specific information about a project the supervisor assigned them to complete. A good workplace stress management would advise them where the information can be found, and even ask for a follow up to make sure their information is accurate.
Falling into the trap, of advising the employee that they, the supervisor, will find the information and get back to them. That monkey is now on the supervisor’s back and will stay there until they essentially do what they asked the employee to complete. The employee may be practicing workplace stress management, but the supervisor has just added to his or her own by agreeing to take on more work than they can probably be done on time. Putting your self into a position that goes against most workplace stress management techniques, will not help you work through your stress.
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