Stress at Work – Malaysian Psychiatric Association
Home/Public/Public Education/Mental Health/Stress at Work
A mentally healthy adult has a need to work. This is part of human development. Everybody works, whether you are a housewife, self-employed or an employee. Working adults spend an average of 10 hours at the workplace. Thus, the workplace has a significant impact on an individual’s mental health and well being. A safe and healthy workplace ensures work efficiency and makes working pleasurable and satisfying. Poor working conditions on the other hand, will create a stressful work atmosphere. A little stress at work is good as it enhances productive performance. However, when the stress becomes excessive and unmanageable it can seriously affect one’s health. Personal difficulties, family problems and stressful life events can make it worse.
Work conditions, use of new equipments, prolonged work pressure, new ways of doing things
Frustrations, lack of incentives, lack of appreciation, retrenchment
Frequent changes in role, dangerous or unsafe work
Conflict with colleagues, superiors, subordinates or people encountered at work
Change in organisational structure, new management, frequent take-overs, uncertainties
Symptoms that indicate you are under stress
7 Steps on how to manage stress
1. Be realistic about your work
Accept your strengths and limitations
Develop a positive attitude towards your work
Enjoy what you do and do it as best as you can
Prioritise your work and avoid a last minute rush
If possible avoid bringing unfinished work home
Know how to delegate your work
3. Sharpen your problem solving skills
Address problems rationally and plan solutions systematically
List down the main problems and possible solutions
Evaluate the feasibility of each solution
4. Have a proper attitude towards changes
Some changes are unavoidable. Be open, flexible and realistic about them
Plan your changes well
5. Practice effective communication at the workplace
Express your ideas in a polite, firm and clear manner
Respect your colleagues’ opinions
6. Foster solcial support within the workplace
Establish friendships with colleagues
List down all the people and organisations that may be able to help you and your colleagues
Share your problems with someone whom you can confide in
Do not judge your colleagues
Have enjoyable activities/hobbies
Refrain from tobacco, alcohol or drugs
Practise good moral and religious values