Stress Management at Workplace

— Work-related stress is the response people may have when presented with work demands and pressures that are not matched to their knowledge and abilities and which challenge their ability to cope.

— Stress occurs in a wide range of work circumstances but is often made worse when employees feel they have little support from supervisors and colleagues, as well as little control over work processes.

— There is often confusion between pressure or challenge and stress and sometimes it is used to excuse bad management practice.

The pressure at the workplace is unavoidable due to the demands of the contemporary work environment. Pressure perceived as acceptable by an individual may even keep workers alert, motivated, able to work and learn, depending on the available resources and personal characteristics. However, when that pressure becomes excessive or otherwise unmanageable it leads to stress. Stress can damage an employees’ health and the business performance. [Ref: WHO]

Many times, we experience stress when we feel that situations are out of our control. It activates the stress hormone and, if chronic, wears down confidence, concentration and well-being. Typically, we are in control of our actions and responses, but not in control of macro forces or someone else’s tone.

Be impeccable for my part, and try to let go of the rest.

Encouraging a culture of open communication about mental health and well-being within the organisation also helps a lot in identifying the causes and considering mitigation plans.