Competing in the global market has brought change to American industry. More Americans are working harder and longer hours just to maintain their current standard of living. Yet, many still contend with the real possibility of losing jobs and the fear of not making ends meet on their current salaries. American workers are experiencing a loss of control and feelings of hopelessness. If these things are causing stress in your life, here are some tips to help you deal with it.
Stressed on the job? Workers are paying an enormous price. Social life and family life are disrupted. Physical health and psychological health are compromised. According to Steve Sauter, Ph.D., chief of the applied psychological and ergonomics branch of NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health), more jobs have been lost in the past few years, than in the two previous decades.
Are downsizing and wage inequality sources of job stress? You bet. People fear losing their jobs, and they worry about their performances.
Too many leave work feeling drained and used up. Obviously, this leaves little to give to others, particularly family.
Consider the fact that a third to a quarter of workers experience high job stress. One of the biggest problems has been the number of hours people work. The average workweek has increased by eight percent. Most people work about 47 hours, with 20 percent of the population working up to 49 hours a week. Even though people are working harder and longer, they still contend with the real possibility of losing jobs and the fear of not making ends meet on their current salaries.
Competing in the global market has brought change to American industry. Some would say the biggest change is an unequal distribution of wealth and income. Consequently, people work harder just to maintain their current standard of living. Many find themselves always behind and stressed.
As a result of these circumstances, workers experience a loss of control and a feeling of hopelessness about the future. This is stressful.
So, what can you do to manage job stress?
Acknowledge that changes are occurring. Companies are downsizing and global markets are making competition for jobs more intense. Change is inevitable, and you need to be ready for it.
Don’t panic if you are laid off. God is your provider, not a company or person. Be faithful in your response to the situation and trust God to lead you to the next job. Do all you can to seek employment and depend on God to act on your behalf.
Get a quality education. People who are college-educated do better in this economy.
Be a good steward of all you have. Don’t spend beyond your means, and don’t go into debt. Put aside savings for difficult times.
Maximize your work time. Don’t waste time on unimportant things. Get a clear description of what is expected and how you will be evaluated.
Be of integrity on the job. If you read the Scriptures, you will see that God wants to bless you and provide for you. Line up your life in accordance to God’s Word and be strong in your faith. Believe what God says about finances and act according to his principles.
Understand what you can and cannot change. Work on the “can” part.
Practice stress management skills. Leave the job at the job so that you can give full attention to your family, spouse and your physical, emotional and spiritual health.
Maintain a sense of humor. Humor relieves stress and can help you enjoy the workplace.