Let’s be honest…work can be a lot sometimes. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by workplace stress, conflict, or the constant wave of change, you’re far from alone. Today’s workplaces are filled with busy schedules, tight deadlines, and ever-shifting expectations. The pressure “to keep up” and “do more with less” is a daily reality for many. Feeling constantly behind has become the norm.
Understanding Workplace Stress
Workplace stress often sneaks up on us. It can be a heavy workload, endless emails, the scramble to meet deadlines or expectations to take work home. Sometimes just balancing your job with personal life feels like a juggling act. These pressures don’t always stay at work – they can spill into your time away from work, affecting your mood, your sleep and your relationships. Stress in the workplace can make you feel drained and worn out. You might notice it’s harder to concentrate, your motivation dips, or you simply don’t enjoy your work the way you once did. It’s important to remember that workplace stress is common and nothing to be ashamed of.
Navigating Conflict
Conflict is a normal part of working with people and can surface because of misunderstandings, differing personalities/perspectives/ communication styles, even competing priorities. Sometimes conflicts go unspoken (like avoiding eye contact or skipping coffee breaks) or can be overt (sarcasm, raised voices, slammed doors). When not addressed, workplace conflict can leave you feeling unheard and apprehensive. It may affect your morale, hurt collaboration and teamwork, and erode trust among your coworkers or with your manager.
Managing through Change
Change is inevitable in the workplace. Whether it’s new leadership, reorganization, shifting roles, new initiatives or enhanced technologies, change is always happening and is unsettling for most people. You might worry about how your role will evolve, whether your skills will remain relevant, or if your job could be affected. These uncertainties are understandable and many people feel anxious during times of change.
Without clear guidance, change can create confusion, resistance and discouragement.
Feeling Overwhelmed and Burnt Out?
When stress, conflict, and change overlap, the risk of burnout rises significantly. Burnout isn’t just feeling tired -it’s a deeper sense of being emotionally and physically depleted and it can show up as increased absenteeism, disengagement and cynicism. Recognizing the signs – like persistent exhaustion, trouble focusing, and feeling disconnected from work – is the first step.
Three Coping Skills to Consider
- Set a boundary: Boundaries are those invisible lines you put around yourself to protect your well-being. They are an important part of taking care of yourself. If you find yourself being frequently interrupted by colleagues wanting to ask a question, let them know that when your door is open, they are welcome to come in and when your door is closed, you do not want to be interrupted. Remember, your needs matter as much as everyone else’s.
- Approach conflict thoughtfully: Self-awareness is the key to navigating conflict. Be aware of your own emotions and how your body is feeling throughout the day and particularly before you go into a difficult conversation. Breathe deeply and focus your thoughts on how you want to approach the conversation. Recognize your triggers so you can manage them if they flare up. If you are feeling nervous, it is ok. Having a difficult conversation makes most people feel unsettled. Remember that how you handle yourself in the discussion will influence the other person and the outcome.
- Find ways to be flexible: Reframing change from a negative perspective to a positive perspective allows you to look for opportunities instead of seeing barriers. Where you see a change as negative, challenge yourself. Is your perspective based on facts or assumptions? Think carefully about why you find the change negative then look for other views to consider. For example, if you are asked to move to a different team, instead of thinking you are not valued, consider instead that the other team needs your knowledge and skills to help their project.
Remember: You’re Not Alone—Help and Hope Await
Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Don’t let stress, conflict and change define you. You deserve to feel good at work and about work. If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Contact me today and let’s work together.
