Tips for Managing Stress Work-related stress affects many Canadians. Problems at work are more often the cause of stress-related health complaints than any other kind of problem, even financial or family concerns. And the longer hours you work, the worse it gets. Long-term work stress can lead to what is called job burnout, the symptoms of which include a negative outlook, low energy, and a lack of interest in nurturing personal relationships. Entire businesses suffer when workers are stressed: each case of stress-related illness leads to an average of 30 days absent from work. Sources of stress Stressors are challenges that come into a person's life and create stress. They can be positive or negative - a long-awaited promotion can provoke stress as much as getting fired can. Some stressors are external. Often employees ignore or blindly accept external stress, because they think these are unimportant problems. However, even small problems, such as an uncomfortable office chair or the constant noise of a photocopy machine can make you edgy and prevent you from doing a good job. Other stressors are internal: they are not workplace problems, but they are perceptions you create of the workplace. One example might be feeling that your hard work isn’t appreciated. Stress-Busters You’ve probably heard all the usual tips about minimizing stress in general: eating healthy foods, finding an engaging hobby, keeping in touch with friends and family. Here are some hints that apply more specifically to the workplace: ƒ Remind yourself why you are working. What was it that got you interested in your field to begin with? Try to direct your attention to the attractive aspects of your job. ƒ Take more control of your time. Learn to say “no” when asked to do too much. One sure-fire time-saver is to cut meeting time. In one poll of managers, “meetings” were named as the single major reason for wasted time. ƒ Keep work at work. Make life your focus outside of work, by leaving your job in the office. Avoid the temptation to check your email and messages from home. ƒ Set realistic goals, and stick to them. ƒ Control what you can and let go of the rest.
2. How long did Joe Blough work for the company?
3. What kind of master’s degree does Heather Smith have?
4. What is John Carter’s extension?
5. Who speaks Russian?
6. What is Blough’s new job title?
7. Who was the old vice president in the instrument division?
8. Who went to Sullivan University?
9. What date will John Carter begin?
10. How long did Heather Smith work for Tru-Tone?
