In high-pressure careers, stress is inevitable. Deadlines, workplace conflicts, and constant demands can create an overwhelming environment that affects both mental well-being and overall job satisfaction for everyone. That’s just the reality of many careers, but it is possible to be a force for good and bring positivity to yourself and those around you.
Data from a survey by Robert Walters showed that 60% of professionals reported a decline in their mental health due to workplace stress. Nearly half of the participants also felt like senior leaders and HR weren’t doing enough to help with stress.
So, why wait for employers to initiate things when you can take the first step? Peace in the workplace is something you can cultivate with certain intentional approaches. In this article, let’s look at what it takes to be a source of happiness for those around you at work.
#1. Embrace the Role of Being a Strong Support System for Others
It’s fair to say that some careers can be more demanding than others. The American Institute of Stress notes that in their list of the top twelve most stressful jobs, six were in the field of medicine. (Interestingly, there were a few unexpected careers that made it onto the list, like film and video editors or railroad police.) These days, the educational pathways to such careers often prepare you for the stress you’ll face.
Nurses in psychiatry taking certain online MSN-PMHNP courses will often encounter faith-based and other approaches that promote holistic development. These initiatives are meant to help you pull through when times get tough and, in turn, inspire others.
As Spring Arbor University notes, compassion fatigue is a serious challenge in fields like nursing. They point out that if you’re a nurse leader, it’s important to reassure your staff that they aren’t alone and to provide them with support. These principles are as relevant for public school teachers or first responders as they are for nurses.
The key point is to be willing to take up the responsibility of being a pillar for those close to you. Surprisingly, such ownership, which seems like an added source of stress, often ends up giving your work a sense of meaning. Sometimes, that’s all that you need to endure even the harshest of working conditions.
#2. Understand the Transformative Power of Active Listening
Active listening is one of the most powerful techniques for fostering peace in a stressful work environment. This type of listening requires you to be fully present and try to understand the other’s perspective. You are also trying to listen in a manner that pays attention to their feelings and concerns.
Often, that means using more than just your ears. Undivided attention is what active listening is all about. In other words, try to avoid distractions, maintain eye contact, and use verbal and nonverbal cues to show engagement.
Unfortunately, in many high-stress careers, it’s common for people to feel unheard or dismissed. This leads to a cycle of frustration and resentment that does no one any favors. This is why active listening ought to be the first step that you should take to ease tension and stress.
Yes, sometimes, that means being the person others turn to when they need to vent about workplace problems. It sounds unhealthy, but experts think otherwise.
Psychologist Lauren Farina explains that while excessive complaining can reinforce negative thought patterns, small doses can be productive. She explains that it allows for emotional discharge and can reduce feelings of stress.
When you’re allowing someone to vent, remember to use simple gestures such as nodding and good eye contact. Likewise, avoid the impulse to interrupt or immediately offer solutions. It’s a good idea to simply allow the other person to feel genuinely heard.
#3. Create a Culture of Appreciation and Respect
In many stressful workplaces, there are deadlines, work pile-ups, and tempers lost. People can become so focused on tasks that they even forget to acknowledge one another. However, even as an individual, you have the power to shift the energy with your attitude.
A great way to build a positive environment is through appreciation and respect. According to a recent Gallup analysis, workers who haven’t received recognition or praise for good work are twice as likely to quit the next year. Gallup goes on to recommend that employees be recognized and appreciated at least once every seven days.
Even if you aren’t in a managerial position, you can still appreciate your coworkers. When people feel valued and respected, stress levels decrease, collaboration improves, and the work environment becomes more peaceful.
So, try handing out genuine compliments, quick thank-you emails, or acknowledgments of a coworker’s contributions in a meeting. These are great ways to uplift morale. Stressful jobs often make people feel invisible, and these small gestures of appreciation can have a big impact.
At the same time, respect is just as crucial. Treat everyone with kindness, even when under pressure. In practice, that could mean avoiding unnecessary late-night emails and giving people space when they need it.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does it mean to be a pillar of support?
Being a pillar of support means consistently offering guidance, empathy, and stability to those around you. It involves active listening, reliable advice, and genuine care, ensuring that others feel understood and valued. You would try to inspire confidence with a steady presence during times of uncertainty.
2. What are the 5 benefits of active listening?
Active listening does wonders to improve communication and reduce misunderstandings. It strengthens relationships by building trust and empathy and it also enhances problem-solving by allowing clearer discussions. In the workplace, it also has the ability to boost productivity through better collaboration.
3. How do you handle stress at work?
Mindfulness, regular breaks, and good prioritization habits are a few simple ways to manage work stress. Realistic goals and open communication with colleagues, along with enough exercise and proper sleep, will also help you recharge. Even though challenges can be frustrating, try to make the most of them and use them as opportunities to build resilience.
In light of all these points, if you can be sincere in your efforts, you will create a ripple effect that makes others want to follow your lead. Over time, your workplace can transform into a space where people feel supported rather than overwhelmed because peace starts with small, consistent actions.
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