Approach work differently to manage stress and protect your health

There are many valid reasons to be stressed out today. Most will tell you that things are not the way they should be. On a general level we are battling an invisible enemy, while the economy is struggling, and relationships are under pressure. When it comes to work (for those fortunate enough to be employed), many are experiencing a high workload and responsibilities, time pressure and additional pressure to work overtime, coupled with continuous disturbances and interruptions. But you already knew this.

High expectations are manageable under favourable conditions, but when they are combined with salary cuts, the low likelihood for promotion or growth and insecurity about future employment it creates a perfect storm for high levels of stress, low levels of engagement and a rapid decline in health. This phenomenon is known as the Effort-Reward Imbalance – where you put in way more effort than the reward you receive would justify – and the results are not good.

Now this is all terribly depressing, BUT do continue reading because there are some things you can do to counteract this imbalance:

1. Recognise!

This is particularly important if you are a leader or manager of people but applies equally to all employees: take the time to recognize the people that work with you. Tell them how their contribution makes a difference. Say thank you. Be personal and recognize the individual as best you can. If you are not a leader, don’t let this hold you back. Recognize your colleagues and those that are in leadership positions (as they are often the last to get recognized). When people feel genuinely valued and respected this has a positive impact on their sense of belonging, self-respect, and resilience.

2. Keep Learning

By keeping your skills up to date, you remain relevant, useful and in demand. Studies have shown that continuous learning is one of the best ways to keep your stress levels under control when facing job insecurity, since it enhances your chances of being re-employed should you lose your job.

You might be asking “where am I supposed to find time, money or energy for this?”, but continuous learning does not have to be formal, expensive, or overly time-consuming to be effective. Online courses, podcasts, and books as easily accessible and in many cases free resources that contain high-quality content to keep you at the cutting edge of the job market.

3. Use Your Strengths

Do more of what you are best at. Work with your manager or help your team to prioritize the tasks they (and you) are most effective at. Cut out tasks that offer low-value returns and learn to say no to things that are not your priority.

4. Remember Why

On a business or personal level, constantly remind yourself and your team of why you are doing what you are doing and why it matters. Focus on the impact you are having, the contribution you are making, and the lives you are changing, instead of only focusing on the tasks you are completing.

The Takeaway

In times of uncertainty, most people feel a lack of control. This leads to stress, which (although not always bad) can lead to dramatic health concerns in the long run. While we are in a universal limbo, use what you have at your disposal to make the best of the situation. Recognize and thank those around you for their effort, keep learning and have an open mind, do more of what you are good at and remind yourself of the bigger picture you are contributing to.

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Finally…

Our focus is on enabling organisations to create cultures and ways of work that are employee-centric at their core. The goal is to establish work environments people love to be a part of and boost engagement to the benefit of the individual and the business.

Please contact us at hello@purposeworks.co.za for more information on how we can get involved in your environment.

At PurposeWorks we are all about Making You and Your Work Rock. Our focus is on Organisational Health and Design, Employee Centered Culture, Leadership Development and Performance Coaching. For more information on how we can help you create a work environment that rocks, develop a great team, become an inspiring leader or unlock your personal excellence talk to us at info@purposeworks.co.za.