How COVID-19 has added to work stress, and tips for reducing stress in your life.
Work Stress, How-to, COVID-19, Work-Life-Balance
OK so you might have heard that COVID-19 is "officially over" (you can still wear a mask in public spaces to protect the vulnerable around you though!) but it was A Lot. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on our lives, it has transformed the way we work and interact with each other. As we make our way out of this crisis, it's important that we acknowledge and address the lasting effects of the pandemic on work-related stress.
In this short read, LSC is going to explore some of the challenges that employees face in the post-COVID-19 world, and offer strategies to manage and reduce work-related stress.
Work-Stress, what is it?
Not all stress is the same! When we talk about "work-stress" we mean the physical, mental and emotional strain that people experience as a result of work-related factors, and aspects of the work environment. These include:
Job demands
Workload
Time pressure
Role ambiguity
Lack of control
Interpersonal conflict (that annoying colleague...)
Organisation culture
Career development challenges (and lack there-of)
This stress can manifest in different ways. It may increase anxiety, fatigue, and irritability. You may have difficulty concentrating, decreased productivity, burnout (keep an eye out for our dedicated Burnout blog), and physical health issues.
So what can you do about it?
Tips for overcoming Work-Stress
1. Embrace the Hybrid Work Model:
We very quickly went from "working from home is not possible" to "everybody needs to set up a home office NOW." The pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote work and the emergence of hybrid work models. This type of model offered a lot of people flexibility and convenience. Who doesn't love working at home with the dogs or cats, and saving on day-care (if you could work with the little ones at home). But it blurred the boundaries between work and personal life. There were technological challenges, and the potential sense of isolation. All of which can contribute to increased work-related stress.
To mitigate these issues, it's vital that we establish clear boundaries between work and home life:
Create a dedicated workspace
Maintain regular communication with colleagues & supervisors
Stick to your work hours (no logging in at 7am to "check emails" if you start at 9am!)
"Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life." - Dolly Parton
2. Work on Work Life Balance
Due to the lack of physical separation between the home office and home, having a "work-life" balance became more challenging during the pandemic. These blurring of boundaries can make it difficult to remember self-care but it's so essential to set time aside for relaxation, exercise, and hobbies. Talk to your employer about how they can promote work-life balance by encouraging regular breaks, implementing flexible schedules, and how they can foster a supportive work environment. Most importantly, remember your log in and log out times, and STICK TO THESE. We don't want to see anyone "checking their emails" when they're not clocked on.
3. Employee Well-Being Programs.
One of the greatest things we at LSC are thankful for, is how the pandemic has highlighted the importance of prioritizing employee well-being. It really felt like a buzz-work in the pre-pandemic era. Now, organisations have invested more into offering resources such as counselling or EAP services, wellness workshops, stress management courses and more. Know what your company offers and USE IT. These resources can provide you with tools and support that is vital to navigating work-related stress effectively.
4. Open Communication
If you're still working from home or working remotely, the importance of effective communication is essential to your role and to your well-being. Most workplaces have a team chat channel, from Yammer, Slack, Teams, Webex, and more. These channels of communication have stepped in and stepped up in helping you stay connected to your colleagues. Regular team meetings, feedback sessions, and one-on-one check in's can help in staying supported in your home office and are useful in identifying stressors and finding solutions collaboratively. Embrace the group chat to stave off the isolation.
5. Training & Development
Upskilling and Professional Development can play a huge role in reducing work-related stress. Check in with your organisation to see what training programs and workshops they have available, including courses that focus on stress management, resilience building, and work-life integration. Think of it as free therapy resources! This upskilling makes work interesting, offers the chance to meet new people, and empowers you to make positive change in your life.
Post-COVID-19 Era
As we move forward with the new normal of the hybrid workspace, it's crucial to acknowledge the impact the pandemic has had on work-related stress, and prioritize your well-being. Embrace the tools and resources around you, take your breaks and stick to your clock in/out times, engage in communication with your colleagues, and take advantage of the training and development your workplace has on offer. Together, we can navigate this new normal and make work, work for you.
The last word
LSC believes in developing and maintaining boundaries between work life and home life. If you're struggling to find the balance, book an Obligation Free Consult to chat with our counsellors and find out how we can help you on the path to well-being today.
Subscribe with one our of 12 month packages to receive free mental health resources all year long.
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