Is that mood swing negatively affecting your career?

Planting greens in the work place creates a natural ambiance that brings about a relaxed attitude. [PHOTO: FILE/ STANDARD]

NAIROBI: Peris Memusi’s co-worker has a deep problem. Her mood-swing has been affecting others. She doesn’t understand if her colleague is dealing with emotional, psychological or work-related problems.

She observes this has affected her productivity and performance as well as those of others. “We sometimes have to cover for her but we too end up receiving the flak for the blame we know is hers,” she writes.

There are many ways of dealing with a moody workmate, whose daily mood-swing affects staff.

According to John Runana, a counsellor, many employees have had their bad days from time to time during their career life. He says work blues impede people’s performance and affect others as well, adding that to every cause, there must be an underlying issue that triggers a mood swing. “Understanding what is triggering that bad mood is key. If you know what is triggering it, find a way to work towards a resolution,” he observes. He observes that this enables one to carry on work peacefully without hindering others. “The source of your bad mood could be that of a fellow worker like in Peris’s case. Maybe you’re irritated by a co-worker’s performance which is affecting yours,” he notes.

Frustrating effort

Runana says the co-worker may not know it, though this is what could be frustrating you. “Sometimes, you don’t want to blow up when the one triggering that bad mood is unaware of the same,” he says.

Finding a way to resolve the issue, rather than working and silently festering on your frustrations, is the best way out. He advises the affected to be focused and productive in their workplace rather than being frustrated. “Speak this to a co-worker and things may work right in your favour,” he says.

Mr Runana, however, warns that the co-worker may not take your suggestions kindly if he or she feels their ego is being pricked. “In such a case scenario, the management may step in,” he advises. Nakuru-based clinician Benjamin Gitahi says mood-swings, if left unchecked, can take a toll on an individual’s health other than affecting others. “You can end up with high blood pressure,” he warns.

He advises employees to liven up the workplace if it is the one triggering the foul mood.

This, he observes, can be done by planting greens at the workplace to create a natural ambiance. It is the same as being with nature, and may give you that relaxing attitude you would get while unwinding in a natural setting.

Mr Gitahi advises the affected take a stroll around the building or at the public park to ease tension and anxiety. “If you are working on a laptop, it is appropriate to work near a window with a view of the surroundings or carry on your work outside for a while,” he suggests. “This scenery change can help beat that foul mood and make you more productive.”

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