Has Stress Turned Into the New Workplace Norm?

Stress has always existed in the workplace in some form. But it’s arguably never been more pervasive than it is today. In many ways, workplace stress has become the new norm and even accepted. Let’s discuss the widespread stress so many employees encounter in further detail and ways to overcome it.

Some Telling Statistics

An infographic from Office Vibe offers some alarming data on workplace stress and just how much of a toll it’s taking on the American workforce. Here are some of their key findings:

  • 77 percent of workers experience physical symptoms caused by stress
  • 73 percent of workers experience psychological symptoms
  • 33 percent feel they are living with extreme stress
  • 48 percent feel their stress has increased over the past five years

These statistics show just how serious and pervasive stress has become. With a third of all employees dealing with extreme stress, this is obviously a negative trend. And with stress leading to a myriad of physical and mental side effects, this is a major issue.

How to Overcome Stress

One of the keys to preventing stress along with burnout and fatigue is to give yourself time to recharge. This is often easier said than done, but it’s important to “get away” from it all and regularly disconnect. Try to take full advantage of your vacation days, avoid work-related emails on your days off and engage in activities that are totally unrelated to work.

Sleep, exercise and proper nutrition are also imperative to preventing stress. You want to do everything possible to get a full eight hours of sleep each night, engage in routine exercise sessions and eat a well-balanced diet. For example, you should:

  • Reduce your intake of sugary and overly processed foods
  • Eat plenty of raw fruits and vegetables
  • Stay away from alcohol, nicotine and trans fats

Consult this guide from Berkeley Wellness for more on proper dieting.

Finally, you should be open with your boss and communicate the fact you’re feeling perpetual stress. It’s unlikely the situation will change if you’re not on the same page as your boss. Maybe you can work together to lighten your load, delegate tasks to other employees or reduce your hours. In other words, see what your options are.

You could easily make the argument that stress has become an epidemic in the modern workplace. But it’s not something you should have to settle for. By taking the right steps, you will be in a better position to manage your stress and prevent it from harming you physically or psychologically. For more on this, check out this article from the American Psychological Association.

Looking to switch gears and find a new job? Contact Encadria Staffing Solutions today.

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