Coping with new kinds of work stress
Months into the new normal, we’re still discovering new work-from-home stressors and complications. Some are impacting individuals, some are affecting teams, and some are felt throughout entire organizations. Fortunately, there are a number of strategies for combating the workplace fallout of the pandemic. The following are five practices that may help FI teams and employees maintain a positive perspective during uncertain times.
Identify healthy ways to express anger
It’s natural to experience frustration during times of change, especially in the face of something as nerve-wracking as a pandemic. Bottled up emotions can manifest in an array of ways, including depression or unfriendly behavior that can damage teams. Find some ways to connect with trusted friends and colleagues and express your feelings before they get too deeply internalized.
Acknowledge this unusual moment
The strange nature of work and life during the COVID-19 pandemic can be unsettling. Whether struggling to parent, care for loved ones, or cope with the isolation, this is likely uncharted emotional territory for most. Acknowledging and talking with trusted friends, family or even a counselor about our current way of life is healthy.
Try not to catastrophize
While times are uncertain, excessive worry can compromise your ability to function at work and home. Luckily, small actions – such as limiting social media and news consumption or carving out time for meaningful interactions, fresh air and activities – can really help diffuse your anxiety.
Take a paced approach
The idea that “it’s a marathon, not a sprint” may be cliché, but for good reason. Working conditions have changed drastically; for many, the same guardrails that define work/life balance—the daily commute, a physical workspace—are gone. Long hours may be necessary, but chronic overwork won’t benefit you, your family or your business.
Celebrate little victories
Whether crushing a minor milestone or meeting a tight deadline, every victory matters. The news feels like a constant cycle of doom, gloom, and loss; acknowledging and celebrating small wins can lift spirits, create hope, and shine a light at the end of the tunnel—something we all need to see right now.
Additional resources
- The American Psychological Association provides continually updated COVID-19 information and resources.
- Read about The Role of Organizational Support and Healthy Work Design on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention blog.
