Work-related Stress

A recent news article mentioned that South African companies are not aware of their employees stress levels, that there is no measuring tool in place, nor a plan for stress reduction.

They mentioned how some Oriental companies do compulsary exercise together each day to reduce stress, how others are introducing a more balanced existance. And how South Africans are too "tough" to admit they're stressed.

Not me! I'll freely admit that if anyone so much as looked skeef at me before lunch today they were in danger of having their head bitten off. And that trying to relax out a stress-induced headache over the lunch hour took a lot of effort.

But this company, along with others, doesn't acknowledge the role of stress - whatever its cause in the workplace, whether it be noise, lack of communication, overload, mis-matched colleagues, inequity (in any number of areas!) or whatever. And if they do recognize it, there's no real options available to deal with it. Those who are put on "stress leave" get sniggered at behind their back, those taking medication face raised eyebrows when the medical claims are processed. And no-one is willing to adequately address the underlying causes that bring on the symptoms.

Dealing with daily stress as an underling is one reason why I'm looking for change - BIG change - in my "career" future. I'd rather have to deal with issues doing something I love than with hand-me-down and slap-me-around workplace stress that I can do nothing about, in a situation I care little for. Sounds harsh perhaps, but after years of thriving on the adrenaline and challenge that stressful situations brought out in me, I'm ready NOT to. I find that things grate on me easier these days, and don't roll off my back as readily.

I know that getting outdoors in the fresh air, breathing deeply and moving the limbs helps. But sometimes the stress is greater than a simple solution can handle. And that's what I don't feel willing to deal with for much longer. I understand that no situation is perfect - but surely there could be something better than constant wearing down?

Anyway, perhaps I'm getting a bit off track with this post, heading toward a canyon of gripe I didn't intend falling into. What I really wanted to say is that it's high time employers recognized what's going on below, and found ways to make working life less stressful. Surely it can only bring positive results if they do!