Take on workplace stress before it gets to you

Prakriti Poddar

Growing anxiety at workplace is the reality of the modern day jobs. Lack of fostering and an encouraging environment is taking a toll on the mental well-being of employees which is also manifesting in physical ill-health. 

As many as 300 million people globally suffer from workplace-related depression and 260 million suffer from anxiety disorders. Some live with both conditions. Another report suggest around 50 per cent with depression are untreated. 

Demanding pace of work, fewer resources, cost-cutting, and constant pressures of increasing productivity are some of the factors that become the root cause of workplace stress or anxiety. 

These along with behavioural challenges of peers and seniors, growing competitiveness, long and odd working hours, as well as fear of embarrassment, humiliation, rebuke, and failure are some of the other major factors that affect mental health badly. Here are some ways to counter growing anxiety levels at workplace:

Increase exercise and physical activity

Many workers compromise physical activity  due to busy work schedules. Studies have shown that exercising and engaging in a physical activity like a sport increases happy hormones such as dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins, while decreasing stress hormone cortical. It also helps push more oxygen in the circulation system. 

Reduce screen time

We are hooked to a screen  most of the time. Although modern day work life mandates engaging with technology, one should try and reduce engaging with tech post work. Finding avenues of entertainment by listening to music, playing a game, pursuing a hobby etc, are better ways to unwind.  

Counselling

Professional counselling via an organisational and occupational psychiatrist can play a huge role in reducing workplace stress and anxiety and fostering healthy workplace environment. The discussions can help find solutions to work management challenges as well as help one counter individual problems which are affecting productivity or efficiency of the employees. Counselling helps in reducing short-term absence, improves workplace morale, helps the organisation by aiding employee retention, helps understand and address the pain areas of the employees. 

Sleep and meditation

It is estimated that around 60 to 80 per cent of accidents on the job is due to stress related distraction and sleepiness. Despite our hectic lifestyle, it is essential to rest the body and mind which helps one rejuvenate back into action. Proper sleep and meditation help in easing the mind. Factoring in time for meditation is beneficial in the long run. 

Organisational Human Resource (HR) policy

Having a strong HR policy which fosters a healthy workplace environment and ensures zero tolerance towards gender, class, religion, or caste discrimination is important. Training the HR resources to manage such issues with due sensitivity and appropriate measured action is also essential. HR can also be instrumental in ensuring implementation of policies that promotes flexibility and work-life balance.

Taking care of workplace anxiety is not one persons job. Some effort has to be made at all levels and by everyone concerned.  In a country where an estimated 66’per cent CEOs in India are stressed and 11 per cent find the challenges at hand too much to handle,  there is definite need for a revamped and more focused mental health policy programmes at our workplaces. 

 — The writer is Managing Trustee of the Poddar Foundation and Director Poddar Wellness Ltd

Share, care, and speak-up

It is important to have a positive and fostering behaviour with peers and seniors at workplace as it is important to listen. Avoid giving unsolicited advice. Sharing your frustration and challenges with a trusted colleague helps in easing out. Also, speak-up for better workplace practices with your employer and suggest solutions of managing work. Spread awareness about rights and negotiate workspace which ensures these rights are respected.