How to Cope in a Stressful Office Environment

There is no such thing as a workplace completely devoid of stress. It simply does not exist, for a multitude of reasons. On occasion, however, you may find yourself in such a tense and stressful work environment that it could be better described as hostile. When this happens, one can resign, transfer or learn to deal with it. Many times, the third option is the only one open.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Patience
• Understanding
• Insight and wisdom

1. All offices or workplaces are stressful, but some are worse than others. There can be many reasons for this: a bullying boss, mean-spirited co-workers, unrealistic deadlines, too much work for too few workers, etc. Upon arriving in an unpleasant work group, it is important to accurately size up the situation and proceed from there.

2. The boss is a tyrant. If the boss is a tyrant or bully, he/she is probably that way with all direct reports. If that is your supervisor’s management style, accept that it is another one of life’s unpleasantries to be tolerated but do not allow yourself to be intimidated. Persons such as this feed off of that and will make your life miserable. Remind yourself that nothing stays the same forever. That is especially true with bosses. They come and go quickly in today’s corporate environment. Treat a boss like this with respect, but let him know there is a line with you he cannot cross.

3. Surly and unfriendly co-workers. Unless you have a negative reputation which precedes your entrance to the work group, rude behavior directed towards you will not be personal in nature. As with that arrogant boss, do not let arrogant and obnoxious peers intimidate you. With all persons, but particularly those you do not know well, let them know politely but firmly that you require the respect you bestow to them.

4. Job stress. This and job security are the most serious issues because they are the ones that you can do the least about. In today’s world of email, pagers, cell phones and the like, it seems one is never truly away from the office or its demands, and those demands can be great in this era of minimum staffing and too thin profit margins. To the best of your temperament and ability, maintain an even emotional keel regardless of the pressure of the moment. Show leadership even when leadership is not required of you and the whole office will benefit.

5. Job security. This is another major cause of office stress. Just about every office of any size will undergo a period when it is under review for cost cutting--another way of saying that higher management is always looking for ways to trim staff. This is another time that you may demonstrate leadership by maintaining a cool head and steady hand.

Tips & Warnings

• You probably will not single-handedly resolve excessive stress in your office, but you may be surprised at the positive influence you can have over time.
• Assume leadership when it is not expected and you will earn respect.
• Surly superiors and co-workers can often be won over with firmness and professional competence. It is hard not to like somebody who pulls his weight and makes life easier for others.
• When all else fails, simply refuse to worry about things you have no control over.
• All of the advice offered in this writing is much easier stated than accomplished. We should add courage to the list of required items.
• Do not be disappointed when things do not change right away. Your realistic goal is to have a positive impact on those around you over the long haul.