How to Manage Anxiety in the Workplace
Anxiety is a negative state of mind that's characterized by fear, nervousness, worry, and apprehension. Every individual faces tension now and then – it's a subconscious response that is triggered by a combination of internal and external stresses. However, frequent bouts of anxiety are not healthy at all. They lead to the development of anxiety disorder, a human time-bomb that could get even worse if not detected and treated early. Anxiety at work has been increasing at a worrying rate. In fact, ESRI found that 18% of employee sick days stem from work-related anxiety, stress and depression issues.
What causes work anxiety?
• Deadlines: we all know the pressure brought about by deadlines. Although time limits are meant to motivate employees to work efficiently, some find them to be quite stressful.
• Changes in the work environment: some managers are fond of delegating unfamiliar duties to their employees, all in the name of work rotation. But according to statistics, such abrupt changes in working conditions trigger anxiety among workers. Starting a new job is also the primary factor.
• Workplace performance: many employees are burdened with immense pressure to perform excellently at work. What with managers breathing down their necks, and administrators cracking the whip to enhance performance.
• Relationship with superiors and peers: sometimes, striking a balance between being casual and professional becomes a hard nut to crack. Employees who attempt to foster healthy working relationships often worry that they might be overstepping.
• Quality of work: managers expect only the best from their employees. This places tremendous pressure on workers, prompting them to work harder in an attempt to perfect their skills and quality of work.
• Staff management: some employees are quite uncomfortable with constant supervision and monitoring. This limits their creativity and adds to their anxiety.
Strategies for overcoming work anxiety
1. Practicing time management
A significant portion of anxiety disorder issues stems from the fact that employees are ill-prepared for what happens next. It's, therefore, a wise idea to prioritize your work and create a to-do list daily. Set aside ample time to complete each project or task on your list.
2. Communication is key
Many employees choke in silence when faced with anxious-inducing issues. Ignoring the issues that perturb you only makes matters worse. If you’re overwhelmed with too much work, air the issue to your supervisor diplomatically. Clear the air and ask for help.
3. Take regular breaks
Take a few minutes to breathe deeply. Get out of your desk and take a short walk outside. Smell the roses and the freshly-cut grass. Regular breaks help to clear your head and rejuvenate your spirit.
4. Avoid toxic relationships
Some coworkers are self-proclaimed chatterboxes who delight in spreading gossip and bad vibes around the workplace. Avoid these types altogether, as they may ruin your day with their speech. Concentrate on a few trusted friends.
5. Set proper boundaries and stay organized
Avoid bringing your work back home. Set strict boundaries between your work and social life. Don’t check your voicemail or work emails after you exit from work. Also, try getting more organized – clear your desk and file your documents regularly.
How WebAtlante helps to keep the workplace environment calm
Webatlante offers a variety of management tools that help to keep employees happy and worry-free. For instance, we offer a unique shift management module that notifies employees when their shift starts, thus avoiding conflicts. Our exquisite Webatlante modules also help to enhance the employee-manager relationship by enhancing communication and collaboration on multiple fronts. At Webatlante, we believe that happy employees are critical to the success of any business.
