Workplace stress is common and almost an inevitable part of one’s professional life. Overcoming workplace stress can be extremely challenging, especially when it comes from your boss. Whether it’s due to unrealistic deadlines, harsh criticism, or a lack of support, stress from your boss can impact your work, performance, motivation and overall well-being. In this article, we’ll explore a few ways of coping with workplace stress caused by your boss.
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Identify The Trigger
Generally, stress is caused by an underlying trigger, so the first step in dealing with stress caused by your boss is to identify the specific trigger. What causes stress when you are around your boss? Is it the way they give feedback? Or are there unrealistic expectations that they set for you? Once you identify the trigger, it will be easier for you to find coping strategies.
To identify your triggers, reflect on the events that have stressed you out in the past and what happened just before, during, and after these moments.
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Give Them Feedback
While it may seem challenging, giving feedback to your boss can be a key factor in reducing workplace stress. If your boss’ behaviour is a constant source of stress, consider having a constructive conversation with them about it. Approach the conversation with calmness and an open mind. Let them know how their actions are impacting you while providing suggestions for improvement. Listen to their perspective as well.
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Set Boundaries
Setting boundaries is absolutely critical to managing your mental and physical health. If your boss consistently expects you to work after your office hours or expects you to work on weekends or during your personal time, it might be helpful to gently assert your boundaries. Communicate your limits respectfully by letting them know when you are available and when you are not. This might include limiting after-hours communication or saying no to additional work to prevent burnout.
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Clarify Expectations
Quite often, stress can be a result of miscommunication, misunderstandings or even unclear expectations. To avoid this, seek clarity on what is expected of you. Regular check-ins with your boss can help ensure that you are both on the same page. Open communication can help prevent any misunderstanding as well.
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Don’t Take Criticism Personally
It is hard to receive criticism from your boss, especially when it is unwarranted or delivered harshly. However, try to detach yourself from criticism and look at it as an opportunity for growth instead of a personal attack. Focus on any relevant suggestions or improvements in the feedback, rather than the tone or delivery. Ak for clarification or specific examples to understand the feedback and reflect if any changes are required in your work.
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Seek Support
Receiving critical feedback from your boss can leave you feeling isolated. However, you don’t have to go through it alone. Seek support from trusted colleagues, friends, or family members. Talking about your experiences can provide emotional relief and help you gain different perspectives on the situation. If the situation has escalated, making it difficult for you to work efficiently, consider seeking help from higher authorities in the organization.
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Self-Care
Work stress can be overwhelming, and it can be quite difficult to focus on yourself at this time. However, take time to focus on your well-being by engaging in self-care activities such as exercise, hobbies, good sleep and proper diet. Regular self-care can help reduce stress over time.
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Evaluate Options
If you do not see the situation improving despite your best efforts, it might be time to evaluate your future options. Consider how the current job is impacting your well-being. Explore other opportunities within or outside the organization that might provide you with a better work environment.
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Seek Help
If workplace stress is impacting your mental health significantly, it is advisable to reach out to a trained therapist. A therapist can help you build coping skills for stress while also helping you explore its root cause.
Conclusion
Workplace stress can feel very overwhelming, especially if it comes from your boss. However, one can cope with it by using multiple strategies, such as identifying triggers, setting boundaries, communicating effectively and focusing on self-care. Lastly, remember to prioritize your mental health and well-being and consider seeking alternative options that provide a better work-life balance.
References:
- Boss giving you anxiety? Here’s 6 tips to help you cope—Calm Blog. (n.d.). Retrieved August 8, 2024, from https://www.calm.com/blog/boss-anxiety
- How to Deal with a Boss Who Stresses You Out. (n.d.). Retrieved August 8, 2024, from https://hbr.org/2017/07/how-to-deal-with-a-boss-who-stresses-you-out
