According to a report by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 40 percent of workers reported their job was very or extremely stressful. Some of us may have that burned out feeling without even realizing what caused it. Work-related stress stems from many factors, but did you know there are hidden stressors at work that may be causing you stress?
When I say hidden stressors at work, I mean the little things that we often overlook that may be causing us stress in the workplace. Your desk is your place of work, it’s the space where you reside for most hours of the day, and a messy desk can be causing you stress. Ever seen a hoarders house and wonder “how can that person live there?” Well, your desk may not be too far from it as well. If you have a lot of untouched files and folders your mind may be distracted from the work you’re concentrated on doing. The same goes for your email; if the huge number in your inbox causes you to exit out of your email tab, you’re only putting it on hold.
Aside from the little things, consider your relationship with your co-workers and manager. For instance, you may be at odds with your manager’s managing style; it could be that their lack of communication and feedback is making you feel lost with your work. Having a good relationship with your co-workers and manager is essential to having a satisfying workplace environment.
Feeling unappreciated at work is one of the main causes of stress. You may be feeling unappreciated and not even realize it. You may feel that all the work you’re doing deserves more recognition and pay. Doing extra work or doing most of the work in a team project are major stressors in the workplace.
The type of work environment you’re working in may be a hidden workplace stressor. In a competitive work environment, even the most natural of competitive workers may succumb to the pressure. Step back from your work and consider if working in a fast paced competitive work environment is worth the toll it takes on your mental and physical health.
A job shouldn’t take over your entire life and shouldn’t cause you extreme anxiety and stress. Recognize the hidden workplace stressors and restore your workplace happiness.
Are you experiencing any of these hidden workplace stressors? Share with us in the comments.
IMAGE: Courtesy of Flickr by kroszk@
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