![\"\"](\"http:\/\/psychone.net\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/08\/storm22.jpg\" "\\"Workplace")
<\/a><\/p>\nLayoffs.<\/p>\n
Workforce readjustment.<\/p>\n
Budget cuts.<\/p>\n
Downsizing.<\/p>\n
We hear these infamous words repeated every day in the news and at work.<\/p>\n
You might feel that you are in the eye of the storm, or maybe afraid that your life will\u00a0devolve into desperation and ruin. You might even find yourself wondering, “Will I be laid off?”. Other workplace stressors can also include difficulty getting along with co-workers, workplace bullying, poor workforce organization\/leadership or having a difficult boss. \u00a0These issues tend to worsen during times of crisis, and these preoccupations usually lead to a decline in job performance, employee morale and a worsening of your relations with others.<\/p>\n
There is not much\u00a0you can do about the troubled economy, but\u00a0you can learn to improve your ways of coping with these difficult times until they improve.<\/p>\n
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Work Stress Warning Signs<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n How do you know when you are stretching yourself too thin? Think of a rubber-band, you can stretch it quite a bit, but with too much tension, it snaps. \u00a0In order to endure these tough economic times, it is important to know how to better manage your stress, or recurrent thoughts and emotions will end up consuming you further. You already have enough on your plate, and you don\u2019t have time for any more distractions.<\/p>\n Some of the warning signs that you are stretching yourself too thin include:<\/p>\n What you can do\u2026.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n During a confrontation at work<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Stay calm, cool and collected, and try to speak to a trusted co-worker or your mentor to help you put things in perspective. He or she might help you brainstorm a solution.<\/p>\n Communication is key here. Take your time and approach her or him directly or request a moment to speak in private via email. Be honest and don\u2019t assume that they already know what you are going through. It may not be obvious to them so this is your chance to be heard.<\/p>\n A few more things to think about…<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n When it\u2019s becoming too much to bear (when the elastic is about to break)<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Your company should have an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that can provide you with support and ways to help you cope better with work related stress. Discuss this with your manager, or if your manager is the source of your stress, then discuss this with human resources.<\/p>\n Nowadays most companies have an\u00a0EAP hotline for employees, which should be available to you in your job\/employment packet. You can call them to get direct assistance or simply to inquire about their program. Either way, at least you know that there is a resource ready to help.<\/p>\n Don’t be shy about using your employer\u2019s EAP program. Managers and CEOs know that work stress is extremely common, so it is to their advantage to retain good workers and this is one way to help employees overcome work stress and stay on the job.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Final Note<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n To every good person that works hard but does not always feel recognized, I’m talking to you: keep it simple, keep it real and give it your best. We are all in the same boat together, and that means, you, me and everyone else.<\/p>\n Remember, the best learning experiences often come from moments of adversity where you have to prove yourself a little.<\/p>\n As long as we have the will to make changes, the sky is the limit. Let’s make a difference and take back control of our lives.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n References<\/strong><\/p>\n American Psychological Association. Listening to the warning signs of stress.\u00a0http:\/\/www.apa.org\/helpcenter\/stress-signs.aspx<\/a><\/strong>. Last modified: n\/a. Accessed August 10, 2012.<\/p>\n Helpguide. Stress at Work. Tips to reduce and manage job and workplace stress:http:\/\/www.helpguide.org\/mental\/work_stress_management.htm<\/a><\/strong>. Last modified: July, 2012. Accessed August 10, 2012.<\/p>\n Mayo Clinic. Coping with stress at work.\u00a0http:\/\/www.mayoclinic.com\/health\/coping-with-stress\/SR00030<\/a><\/strong>. Last modified: June 26, 2010. Accessed August 10, 2012.<\/p>\n\n
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