Workplace Anxiety

There are several things that can cause anxiety in the workplace. Learning some effective ways to cope with the different causes of workplace anxiety can help make the workplace less stressful.

Customer Complaints

Dealing with customer complaints on a daily basis can lead to anxiety. Realizing that the customer is most likely frustrated with the company as a whole and not you directly can help lessen the stress this can cause.

Deadlines

Fast-approaching deadlines can lead to stress and anxiety in the workplace. Organization and time management can help keep these deadlines from being so overwhelming. Get an early start on projects and set manageable short-term goals to help alleviate the stress from deadlines.

The Economy

The state of the economy can affect the level of anxiety in the workplace. Seeing other people losing their jobs increases the fear that you could lose your job as well. One way to reduce stress from this situation is to change your attitude; instead of seeing an unemployment rate of 10 percent, see an employment rate of 90 percent. Another way to reduce this stress is to develop "worst case" strategies; determine in advance of a job loss how much money you have in the bank to live off of, how much you would get in unemployment payments and for how long, what the job market is doing, and what temporary or freelance positions you could get while searching for another full-time position.

Workplace Anxiety Effects

Anxiety in the workplace can effect the productivity and morale of employees. Keeping the workplace stress levels to a minimum can benefit the company.

Signs of Workplace Anxiety

There are several signs of anxiety in the workplace. These can include employees having trouble understanding and following directions, impatience, easily losing their temper, becoming overwhelmed, dropping things, or tripping over things more often. Managers may also see employees who lack motivation, and feel a general negativity in the workplace atmosphere.

References

• Health Guidance: Facing Anxiety in the Workplace
• Management Issues: Managing Workplace Anxiety