Taming workplace stress and its ravages

By Anderea Morara

January is generally a stressful time for many people, especially those who overindulged in end-of-year festivities. School fees, car repairs and hospital bills notwithstanding, the workplace can be the biggest source of stress.

This January, in particular, has brought with it many unpleasant surprises for people in this region of the world. I am not talking about the bad politics, and the frivolous weather with its unexpected droughts and floods, though those have been other sure sources of stress for a large number of people. My focus is on those of us who may be starting the year with workplace doldrums.

Take the people in the Ministry of Education, currently engaged in a blame-game for the loss of millions of moneys meant for free primary education. Some are under investigation, with both Kenya Anti Corruption Commission, and Parliament, threatening to turn their livelihoods upside down. It must be stressful in the corridors of the Ministry’s premises for some people.

Customs union

Moreover, 2010 marks the start of the East African Customs union, and this is a big source of stress for many people. Some are excited about the expanded markets, while others are worried about the potential for increased competition. Some businesses are threatened by entry of other players (some with illicit money) into the country’s investment sector, with the consequent implications on reduced earnings and/or job losses.

Factor of life

Stress is a factor of life and, therefore, the goal is not to eliminate, but rather to manage it.

To reduce stress, you need to assess your strengths and weaknesses with the aim of continually enhancing your performance.

One way to achieve this is to keep an eye out and stay current on industry trends. If you are an employee, you need to sharpen and improve your skills constantly, learn new ones, participate in professional associations, and know how to meet your employer’s expectations.

Here are six of the top proven ways of reducing stress and anxiety.

1. Maintain a sense of personal power. Personal power referes to how much control you feel you have over your life, your ability to function and express yourself. Ensure that you are not taken for granted by your bosses and workmates. Conduct yourself in a manner to elicit consultation by your superiors and colleagues on matters that concern the organisation’s business, especially the aspects that are closely related to your work.

2. Be flexible. You must learn to recognise and accept that things change. Advancement in knowledge, coupled with technological changes always necessitates paradigm shifts. Do not insist on using outmoded, and often inefficient and thus more expensive, ways of doing things, if superior alternatives are available. It often pays to be proactive, rather than reactive.

3. Manage your anger. All of us — justifiably or unjustifiably — get annoyed at one time or another. When this happens, remind yourself of the Kiswahili saying ‘Hasira hasara’. (Anger begets loss). Act cool and re-examine the reason for your anger. Gain perspective and plan your next step. Re-approach the situation with a desire to resolve the problem in a manner that is mutually satisfactory.

4. Maintain a positive attitude. Always look forward to good results and work accordingly. Assume people mean well and treat them with respect. Do not always complain, even when things do not suit you too well. Try to empathise and make others happy.

Those around you are likely to reciprocate your gesture, making you happy, and thus less stressed.

Adequate rest

5. Take adequate rest. Even machines need servicing. People need to take time off to revitalise. ‘All work and no play makes Jill a dull girl’, the English say. Workers need breaks/holidays so that they can return to their tasks with vigour and renewed motivation. To maintain a sound work-life balance, try not to take work home. Even when you work from home, manage your work hours so that you have time for leisure and family. From time to time, there may be need to work for longer hours than usual, but work should not be allowed to take life out of your existence.

6. Ensure effective communication. Good communication is essential for preventing and easing tensions. Psychologists know that bottled up feelings can kill, especially if they are negative. Inability, or unwillingness, to share our problems with others tends to shore up stress levels; And if this is done frequently it could lead to hypertension or depression — both of which are debilitating conditions. If you have no one at the workplace or your community that you can trust with your feelings, it might be advisable to see a psychological counsellor.

—The writer s the Executive director of Capacity Development Africa Ltd.

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