John jumped into a new job hoping the sweeter compensation will allow him to afford the mortgage of the house and even get a car for his family. After he moved into the new office he started to get uncomfortable. It seems that the whole workplace felt as if it was a snake pit. Well, John may be exaggerating but he finds the new workplace something that gets on his nerves. Suddenly, John’s stress levels went through the roof and his productivity suffered. No matter how great the compensation would be but when there is stress in the workplace, you will be in for a lot of trouble. Let us take a look at the common mistakes that occur in the workplace that impacts productivity.
Unable to tell the signs of stress
Majority of people that are suffering from workplace stress are unable to tell that they are already suffering. Sometimes, people would dismiss their change in mood and confidence to the rigors and demands of work. They don’t want to read the writings on the wall that they are under too much stress which could push them over and lead them to bigger problems. When you are starting to become irritable and withdrawn in the workplace; try to discuss things with your supervisor or manager. This will enable them to take a look on how to help you cope with workplace stress better.
Unable to provide a great ambiance
If you are working with poor lighting, loud noise and uncomfortable office furniture then you have an excellent recipe for workplace stress. One study showed that office noise is the biggest single reason for stress in the workplace. The endless telephone ringing, the beeps on the computer when there is an incoming e-mail and creaky desks and chairs that are yet to be replaced contribute to stress. It is time to stop anxiety from reaching harmful levels that may affect productivity that could lead to job loss.
Unable to promote health habits
A great management team should be able to educate its workforce on the benefits of excellent health habits. It starts with the right placement of desks and chairs that would promote great posture. The management should promote exercise in the workplace through information drives on how to get some while near the desks or to utilize the office gym. The company may provide gym vouchers for employees to start exercising more if there are no in-building gym facilities available.
Unable to organize things well
Would you feel better if the whole office is a mess? Of course you would not feel one bit better, right? This is when time management should intervene and take time to educate the employees to become more organized. When you are able to locate files with ease, then you will not become too stressed looking when the boss is asking for it. The workplace should become an enjoyable and pleasant environment. It would also be good to add some decorations that are simple but make sure that it would make the entire place look relaxing not cluttered.
Unable to stop pushing people
Pressure adds to stress. When people are pushed too far against rising expectations to reach certain metrics; things tend to go downhill from there. This is why management should be able to carefully weigh everything and never let the pressure affect how the employees enjoy doing their jobs.
Unable to provide transparency
Transparency gives employees a sense of security and calmness that they deserve so they can work in peace. One of the common sources of workplace stress is having less than transparent management team and the constant rumors of downsizing. This may lead to apathy and even reduced appetite for food which can be bad. A lot of people that are under a lot of stress may lose interest in work and could have an alcohol or drug binge to remedy their situation.
It doesn't take a major overhaul to make the workplace better. You can start by fixing how the lighting and the furniture are arranged. Then you can move up in addressing other issues that can generate a lot of stress. Let’s save John from stress and help him achieve his dreams in life.
Ryan Rivera writes about panic attacks, depression, stress and anxiety. You may reach him through his Calm Clinic Twitter account.
