Job + Holidays = Stress - 9 Ways To Put Things In Perspective This Holiday Season.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reported that 75% of workers today feel they have more job stress than a generation ago. A 2000 Integra Survey also reported that 62% of workers routinely find that they end the day with work-related neck pain, 44% reported stressed-out eyes, 38% complained of hurting hands and 34% reported difficulty sleeping because they were too stressed-out. While employees continue to persevere and remain productive despite global instability and fear for personal security, as year end approaches, holiday activities which should be relaxing, tend to be particularly stressful for our employees.
At this time of year employers and employees may often have conflicting priorities caused by pressures of too many projects, busy schedules and too little time. At a time when companies are trying to meet deadlines, generate sales to get them into the black and wrap up year-end paperwork, workers might be preoccupied with their own holiday planning and rapidly approaching deadlines. While businesses are focused on increased potential holiday revenues, workers are preparing to welcome friends or families while still trying to stay on top of what’s happening at the office. The pressures increase significantly when family and business collides and you might be entrepreneur and employee, all rolled into one.
Many experience guilt and anxiety from having to choose between holiday programs at their kids’ schools, or working overtime to meet shipping deadlines. Many worry about holiday budgets and stress over employees’ reaction to smaller or sometimes nonexistent bonuses if an off year for them. Some employees will feel resentment about assignments that delay plans to decorate their houses like those on magazine covers that tantalize all of us as we wait in endless lines. Working Dads will feel inadequate when, because of work schedules, their house is the only one on the block still without lights a few days before the big day and working Moms will have to resort to burning “Fresh Baked Cookie Dough” candles, since there was no time to bake. Many will be especially frustrated when we are too tired to participate in spiritual events as planned.
For those of us who love our work we find ways to balance the two, knowing that this season will pass and next year will be here before we know it. For those already dissatisfied with their jobs, careers and companies, routine tasks become unbearable, productivity declines further and going to work feels like walking a tightrope. The following few suggestions may help us get some perspective this holiday season.
-Identify what is important and plan your time to accomplish only those things - our productivity will improve because of it.
-Ask for help and support from friends, family, co-workers, bosses and neighbors - our relationships will grow from it.
-Stay flexible and open to all possibilities - our sanity depends on it.
-Take walks with your families to admire the colors and decorations around you - our bodies will thank us for it.
-Encourage communication in the workplace to resolve conflicts around time and projects - our coworkers will support us for it.
-Managers should be flexible enough to support employees’ family commitments - our organizations will be better for it.
-Employees should develop an appreciation for company bottom lines this time of year - our economy will grow from it.
-Focus on the pure simple truths of the holidays - our communities will be better for it.
-Take time to be thankful we live in America - our futures depend on it.
Marcia Robinson has a BS in Human Resource Management, a Masters in Business Administration and nine years of professional experience in college career centers. She has written on career and workplace related issues for BullseyeResumes.com since 2005. BullseyeResumes is the only online resume service that lets jobseekers bid for service and offers free advice through hundreds of articles and FAQs on resume writing and interview preparation.
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