The Joy of Stress
Contrary to popular belief, not all workplace stress is bad. In fact, says Clemson University Psychology Professor Tom Britt, if workplace stress is properly managed, it can be a career enhancer.
“Stress on the job can actually be good. If employees identify their stressors, consider them challenges instead of problems and take steps to proactively address those challenges, they can be catalysts for growth,” he said.
But to thrive under difficult work conditions, employees must detach from work for short periods during the day and after their workday is over, said Britt, who wrote the recently released book, “Thriving Under Stress, Harnessing Demands in the Workplace,” with Bowling Green State University Psychology Professor Steve Jex.
“Constant connectivity is counterproductive,” Britt said. “A key to having the energy to thrive under difficult work conditions is detaching yourself from the stress at the end of the day. Not only is it healthy, but employees need recovery time to restore 
personal energy for the next day.”
Workers should set and manage boundaries between work and home, he said. It could be a physical such as putting the cellphone and computer in a place that does not offer ready access to work emails. It could also be establishing boundaries (such as if it is not a true emergency, you won’t deal with a problem outside your regular shift) and confronting violators.
Employees who believe they are part of something meaningful and significant also respond to stress positively instead of negatively.
“People need to see the importance of what they’re doing. People might think it’s important because it’s something they inherently enjoy and believe in,” he said, “or they could view it important simply because it allows them to bring home a paycheck. If people look at the positives the job brings, they’re less likely to respond negatively to the stress they are under.”
Co-workers influence positive thinking as well, Britt said.
“Look at how often they are interacting with co-workers and determine whether they are energizers or de-energizers. Do they make you feel energetic and optimistic or do they make you feel depleted and pessimistic?” he said. “Look at how you can increase the number of interactions with energizers and minimize contact with people who sap your energy.”
