How to deal with workplace pressure
We live in a very competitive environment. But, have you ever wondered why individuals just decide to quit their jobs? Well, my guess? It’s often due to workplace pressure. In this blog post, we will be looking at how to deal with workplace pressure.
Workplace pressure is pressure related to work being carried out. It is also pressure felt usually about carrying out work tasks within a specific period to acceptable standards. Workplace pressure is often unavoidable and managers, and colleagues alike, can increase the pressure to complete tasks within a stipulated time frame.
Types of workplace pressure
There are two types of workplace pressure; Internal and external workplace pressure.
Internal workplace pressure
This comes from pushing yourself too hard about your performance of a task or the performance of others. For instance, pushing oneself to become a professional clerk in the workplace. Basically, this is the pressure we put on ourselves.
External workplace pressure
This results from people around you. For instance pressure from a boss to perform tasks a certain kind of way. They are quite different from internal pressure in the sense that you usually don't have control over it like you do internal workplace pressure.
Factors that lead to workplace pressure
Some factors that lead to workplace pressure include:
- Working long hour
- Heavy workload
- Job insecurity
- Expectations from boss and colleagues
- Strife or conflict with co-workers or boss.
These factors lead to workplace pressure on their own or together. Many of the factors could also be coped with individually. It just requires a lot of willingness and effort and their effects would be minimised.
Workplace pressure can have a positive side to it. It could motivate employees to work well. However, if it becomes too much, it could lead to employees seeking their survival over the success of the project or company. This is known as the performance pressure paradox. This reduces employee initiative, damages morale, and reduces productivity.
The negative effect of workplace pressure
The negative effect of workplace pressure could be:
- Headaches
- Sleep disorders
- Stomach upset
- Loss of concentration
- Lack of motivation
- Loss of memory
- Substance abuse
- Isolation
- High absenteeism
- Low morale
- Increased accidents
- High turnover intentions
Workplace pressure could lead to workplace stress. Which is when the demands of the work become more than the individual’s capacity. This also leads to various diseases and conditions. For example sleep disorders and substance misuse. The effect of this could be either physical, mental, or emotional. Workplace stress must be avoided at all costs so that employees can function effectively.
How do you deal with workplace pressure?
- Identify what causes the pressure
- Breakdown bigger tasks into smaller ones
- Remember to remain healthy
- Set boundaries/learn to say No
- Take time to relax
- Learn to speak out to your superior when work becomes too much
- Seek support
- Prioritise organizing your time
- Know your threshold
- Write about your problems in a journal
- Practice meditation for mindfulness
- Get enough exercise
Conclusion
Like the famous anonymous quote that says not everything that weighs you down is yours to carry, not every workplace pressure should be allowed to overwhelm us. Remember you can change things to suit your purpose.
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Remember to put your thoughts on the post and your answer to the riddle in the comments. Keep striving!
