Stress in your Job Description?

Have you ever given so much of yourself in a job that you actually wondered if you may be suffering from post-traumatic stress? I have yet to see a job description that includes the phrases “work so hard you burn out” or “if you’re not crying, you’re not working.” The only one that really knows how much your job hurts– is you!

I love the categories of stressed-out workers Kristin Koch detailed in her article, Job Killing You? 8 Types of Work-Related Stress. I have summarized her “profiles” and “solutions” below:

1. Overworked Underlings: are always busy and have little freedom or control; can reduce stress by participating in decision-making and reducing demands.
2. Frustrated Go-Getters: are not getting the credit or compensation deserved; can reduce stress by equalizing “effort-reward imbalances” and communicate goals.
3. Castaways: are lonely workers who need more guidance or assistance; can reduce stress by communicating needs, creating a support structure, and getting resources.
4. Doormats: Are expected to be professional and courteous while responding to demanding and abusive customers; can manage stress by getting more training.
5. Tech Prisoners: Are accessible 24/7 without distinguishing between work and life; can reduce stress by unplugging and setting strict boundaries of availability.
6. Burnouts: Are in very charged environments (like first responders) experiencing physical/emotional exhaustion; can reduce stress by taking time off for rest.
7. Bully Targets: Are mistreated, fearing insults or abuse; can reduce stress by addressing concerns directly or escalating to the Human Resources department.
8. Wronged Victims: Are suffering from unfair workplace practices or the lack of “organizational justice;” can reduce stress by addressing concerns with a superior.

Personally, I see a few descriptions above to which I relate! From which type(s) of stress are you suffering? Knowing the answer to this question creates awareness, which is the first step toward improvement. Remember, your job description didn’t list Stress as a requirement, though it listed requirements that could cause stress. How you chose to respond to these requirements can reduce the amount of stress you experience.

¹ Need help sorting out the stress and deciding how you can respond in a healthy way? I love a good challenge; let’s figure it out!
² Stay tuned for the “SYNERGY GROUP: What You Missed” video and learn more how stress prevents us from taking healthy risks.

— Join a Synergy Group where we will discuss what the
Bible says about Stress. —

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Michelle Sugerman, an Executive Business Consultant with Leading Synergies, helps high-performing executives refine strategy, inspire teams, and delight clients (specializing in information technology, project management, consulting, and franchise management). She also leads Synergy Groups, weekly 55-minute virtual business mastermind calls for REALLY BUSY Christians in leadership. Michelle lives in Colorado where she hikes fourteeners and enjoys gourmet meals with her loving husband of 21 years.

The post Stress in your Job Description? appeared first on Leading Synergies, LLC.
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