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hat does your job mean to you? Achievements, security, job satisfaction
or just the next pay packet? If it's anything other than the cash, you're
at risk of work-related stress - the Nineties epidemic. This is now one
of the main reasons why people take time off work. Even the Government is
worried about the cost and the Health Education Authority has launched a
campaign for employers to take better care of their staff.
A Health & Fitness readers' survey found two- of you feel stressed at
work and half have had to take on more because of staff cuts, with 47 per
cent pressured to work overtime or through lunch and 65 per cent saying
work damages their health.
Disturbingly, 10 per cent suffer from bullying. Only 21 per cent have the
protection of a trade union.
Though half of you have complained to employers (another 18 per cent said
they're too scared of losing their jobs), nearly two-thirds of those who
spoke up said that their concerns were ignored.
The best solution is to persuade your employers that stress causes low productivity,
high staff turnover, more mistakes, increased sick leave, industrial tribunals
and legal action by customers. These are all true and all expensive. Beware,
though, if they get 'stress consultants' in, since these tend to focus on
training staff to cope better, rather than resolving the problems. Try to
get to the causes of stress, rather than the symptoms, and deal with them.
Occupational psychologist Ashley Weinberg admits that while some big companies
with health budgets for their staff may follow the new Government advice,
most of us will still have to find our own solutions. The most |
important thing to
remember is not to let work and its worries take over your whole life.' People
look for some kind of magical cure for stress, but we're just simple human
beings and the things that help can be quite ordinary,' says Weinberg. 'Laughing
and enjoying yourself and having a chance to crack a joke is a big health
boost.'
DISAPPEARING JOBS
This is the big one. Anxiety about losing your job isn't a sign of neurosis;
these days it's perfectly reasonable.
But like anxiety about anything, it's totally futile. Professor Cary Cooper,
of the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology, is
an expert in workplace stress and he's pragmatic: if employers are using
you, you can make sure you use them, too.
'One way people can help themselves is to make sure they're totally skilled,'
he advises. 'You have to realise that jobs are no longer for life - for
anybody. So go in with the attitude that you're not going to be there long.
Take advantage of all the education and training you can get, so you can
be more mobile and can market yourself.'
These days employers don't raise an eyebrow at someone who's changed jobs
after less than a year (though obviously you try not to put over your easy-come,
easy-go strategy at an interview - after all, if this job's worth your while
you'll stay). If the chance comes to branch into
another field, take that too. The more different skills and experiences
you have, the more you will increase your career options. Notice we're not
suggesting ways of safeguarding your present job. Short of knowing something very embarrassing about the chairman, there probably aren't
any. Of course being competent, pleasant and reliable gives you an edge;
it also gets |
you glowing references and a better chance of another job. But make
sure you have your parachute packed and ready.
TOO MUCH TO DO
Prof Cooper has seen overwork become a common bugbear, as staff cuts pile
more work onto those remaining. People may hate it, but they don't dare
speak out for fear of being the next to lose their jobs. In that case, he
says, time management is your best friend.
'Make priorities and keep to them,' he urges. 'Do what's most important
first, rather than doing things just as they come in.'
Some companies run time- courses, and there are also several books on the
subject. Sometimes it just takes better organisation: slow down a moment
to decide what really needs to be done, what doesn't, what can be delegated
and what isn't your responsibility in the first place. Think what's going
to seem a waste of time when you look back on it in a year or so. Stop fighting
off the crocodiles long enough to drain the swamp. Sometimes, though, one
person's workload really is too big. Then, a friendly but assertive way
of saying no is an invaluable skill You may have to practise this, but it
gets easier after a while.
Also, you don't have to use, it so often once people realise you're not
a doormat. If work's starting to get on top of you, have a meeting with
your supervisor about it, rather than waiting until you collapse under the
strain.
EXTENDING HOURS
Sometimes, lingering after hours isn't connected with the workload. Sociologists
have commented on the Japanese 'salaryman's' round-the-clock |
