Stressed-out employees who act out their angst in fits of “desk rage” can damage their relationships, careers, and health. Years of corporate downsizing and budget concerns have left many workers feeling insecure about their employment. They can feel trapped, driven to work long hours, skip vacations, work through lunches and breaks, and keep quiet about heavy workloads to show their commitment.

Gadgets Add to Stress Levels

While gadgets like e-mail, pagers, and cell phones along with remote network access are intended to make work easier, they can actually increase stress.

“Human beings are not designed to handle situations that require a constant, high level of attention, “ said Dr. Victor Scarano, Director of Occupational and Forensic Psychiatry Services at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. “Everyone needs to be able to get away from the demands of work.” Dr. Scarano states that a happy home life can usually counteract workplace stress; however when office stress spills over and affects family relationships, more serious problems can begin to surface.

Signs that Stress is Getting Out of Control

There are usually signs stress is getting out of control long before serious co-worker conflicts erupt. Some of these include chronic complaining, increased irritability and anxiety, frequent illness-related work absences, decreased morale, sleep and eating pattern changes, and social isolation. “An unhappy, angry employee is usually left alone, which can make matters worse,” Dr. Scarano said.

Help Keep Office Stress in Check:

• Remember the big picture. Work is only part of life; don’t let it overshadow time needed for family, hobbies, and other pleasures that replenish your energy and sense of self-worth. Consider keeping photos on your desk of loved ones or a special place to help you keep your priorities straight.
• Strive to preserve positive relationships with family members, friends, and co-workers.
• Limit your workday hours; get away from your desk at lunch and break times and don’t forget to take vacations! Some people do well with fewer long vacations while others need more frequent “mini” vacations. Regardless, everyone needs and deserves time to restore energy.
• Exercise, eat healthy, stay hydrated, and get enough sleep. Physical activity reduces mental stress. Sleep deprivation, hunger, and dehydration can drain you physically, increase irritability, and impair concentration – which makes you more susceptible to negative stress.
• Speak up! Don’t be afraid to talk to your supervisor. He or she is in the best position to understand your workload, offer guidance and help set priorities. Also, ask for feedback. You might find that you have been holding yourself to unnecessarily high and unattainable standards.
• Take advantage of company-sponsored counseling services and stress-relief programs.

Source: Baylor College of Medicine E-News Bureau, October 2000