Stress and anxiety are some of the most common side effects of the modern workplace. In 2019, 94% of American workers reported experiencing stress or anxiety at their workplace.
Stress can lead to a variety of health problems and interfere with anyone’s ability to lead a normal, happy life. This makes it important to understand what work stress is, why it is so common, and how you can ensure you mitigate the workplace stress you experience on a daily basis.
Work anxiety refers to any type of stress or stressors at the workplace that have negative effects on your psychological well-being. This ranges from feeling overworked to feeling underappreciated, and everything in between.
Common Signs of Work Anxiety
While there is no such thing as an anxiety disorder specifically tied to your work environment, there are signs that can lead you to consider the possibility you may be experiencing too much anxiety due to your workplace situation.
Some of these signs include:
- Excessive worrying/brooding
- Difficulty sleeping
- Loss of appetite
- Overeating
- Jitters
- Dry mouth
- Clammy skin
These signs of anxiety can vary from person to person but are very common amongst workers who are being pushed too far and may be struggling to manage the stress and pressure placed on them.
Causes of Work Anxiety
Anxiety tied to the workplace can be caused by a variety of different factors. It is definitely not unusual for workers to experience some anxiety related to a new position, a promotion, or increased demands — this is only natural. The real problem to keep a close eye on is sustained feelings of anxiety that seem to stick around and weigh you down day after day.
Some of the most common causes of workplace anxiety include:
- Workplace conflicts
- Bullying
- Deadlines
- Issues with management
- Perception of a lack of fairness
- Lack of direction
There are plenty more examples, and this can vary from person to person. Despite this, ongoing anxiety does result in obvious negative effects to both physical and mental health.
Effects of Work Anxiety
Anxiety at work can take a toll on many different aspects of your life. It can make you less productive, more insecure, and can trickle down into almost every part of your life if you are not careful. This makes it important to understand these negative effects so you can work to curb anxiety as much as possible.
In order to determine if you are experiencing severe work anxiety, it is important to reflect and determine if you have experienced any type of negative developments in regards to your life or your work. Have you been less productive? Do you ever enjoy your workday? Is your work anxiety affecting your normal life? If you notice any of these effects or similar ones, then it is very likely that you are suffering from serious work anxiety and would benefit from addressing the issue.
But how can you do this?
There are a few options in this case. The first is to have an honest discussion with your employer. This can help to address any concerns you may have while also informing your employer that you suffer from anxiety. If you have a diagnosed anxiety disorder, though, you do have important rights that the employer must adhere to according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
While sometimes it can be stressful to bring this kind of topic up with your employer, it is important to understand that it is necessary and that your health is the most important thing. Most respectable employers will understand your situation and look for ways to help you succeed and overcome your difficulties.
You’ll never know until you ask!
How To Cope With Work Anxiety
Anxiety is a very hard thing to deal with, especially if you are diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. However, there are some actionable steps you can put into place in your life that will undoubtedly help you minimize anxiety and start building a healthy routine.
For starters, try to make sure you have a good work-life balance. Focusing on work all the time doesn’t help anybody and will only serve to exacerbate your anxious tendencies. Additionally, self-care practices such as healthy eating, exercise, and meditation can help you develop ways to maintain your anxiety and be proactive in your relationship with it.
If you are living with work anxiety, it is important to get help. Undiagnosed clinical anxiety can have debilitating effects and lead to the development of severe health issues in the long term. Make sure to reach out to your employer or a mental health professional to discuss your options and ensure you are giving yourself the best chance at success.
HR Search and Rescue is a full-service HR consulting firm that specializes in solving difficult workplace challenges. Their team offers 1-on-1 meetings and crowd consultations to discuss workplace challenges and offer guidance. Reach out over the phone at (844) 934- 3743 or online to schedule a meeting.