Friday, September 02, 2011
5 Signs You’re Under Workplace Stress
Just finished radio interview on Bulldog & The Rude Awakening Show on WOCM-FM (Ocean City, MD). Chatted about team-building and building harmony at work. With unemployment hitting 9.3% of the population, workers are under tons of stress which leads to low morale and no thoughts of creating harmony. What are these signs and what can you do about them?
5 Signs You’re Under Workplace Stress:
1. You would rather play Solitaire on your PC than work. You have apathy, trouble concentrating, and loss of interest in work.
Instead: Ask yourself, “Am I overwhelmed?” If so, think time management - create a balanced schedule, don’t over-commit yourself, plan regular breaks.
2. You’ve memorized the phone number of your doctor and pharmacy for emergency prescriptions for headaches and stomach problems. You have more “sick” days than “well” days.
Instead: Take care of yourself differently (get a lifestyle overhaul). Try short walks, eat smaller more frequent meals, stop smoking, cut down on caffeine.
3. You’ve given names to the Serta Counting Sheep because you consider them friends. You have problems sleeping.
Instead: Set a regular bedtime, wake up at the same time every day, nap to make up for lost sleep (in early afternoon and less than 30-minutes), fight after-dinner drowsiness by doing something mildly stimulating to avoid falling asleep (do the dishes, call a friend, make tomorrow lunch).
4. You’re aching to pick a fight with co-workers because they irritate you. You are irritable, feeling anxious or depressed.
Instead: Start the day off right - give yourself enough time to get to work, avoid road rage, eat a decent breakfast, watch what you tell yourself (keep it positive).
5. You petition to swap vodka for water in the water cooler. You use alcohol or drugs to cope.
Instead: Go talk to someone who can help. Many companies have a free benefit - EAP (Employee Assistance Program) - that gives you access to counselors.
If you want to create harmony in your work team, start with yourself. You gain a new perspective when you regain control of yourself. And, this only helps your team get better.
Many thanks to Bulldog and the Crew at WOCM-FM for having me as a guest. And, I apologize for the dropped call. Not sure what happened but you guys are pros and I loved the filler story!
For more help on advancing your career, check out: http://www.78ManagerMistakes.com
Until next time...Lead like you mean it!
Marjorie
