**Stress at work leads to dissatisfaction and not infrequently to mental upset. Time to initiate a work climate change.**

On average, we spend almost a third of our lives at work. Even though home office models are slowly gaining acceptance, many people spend more time with colleagues during the week than with their own families. Whether analog or digital, we are in constant exchange with the people in our working environment. It is therefore important to make this environment as pleasant as possible.

## "Dear colleagues..."

... but it's not always that simple. Because at work, people come together who are at home in different social structures, cultural circles and schools of thought. According to a study by Kristie Westerlaken and Peter Woods, the chance of encountering [narcissists](https://app.hellodearest.io/article/tipping-point-mirror-image-is-this-still-self-love-or-already-narcissism) on the management floor increases sharply. In addition, there may be competitive struggles among colleagues, outdated [gender stereotypes](https://app.hellodearest.io/article/bigger-stronger-worse-toxic-masculinity) or [toxic](https://app.hellodearest.io/article/toxic-relationships-how-to-recognise-them-and-what-to-do-about-them) behaviors.

## Addressing Problems: The path to recovery

If you or one of your colleagues are not comfortable in the work environment, it is important to make these issues an issue. In many companies, known difficulties are simply accepted. The problem is that if no one addresses them, no one will change them.

First and foremost, it is important to recognize and draw attention to discrimination and racism in the workplace. This starts with so-called microaggressions. These are seemingly innocuous remarks about the dress style of LQBTQ+ people, questions about origin, or even remarks about amazing technology skills of older people. "Just kidding!"-that may be. That doesn't mean it's not painful.

If you notice such microaggressions in yourself or others, try to address the person from whom they emanate directly. Often people are not aware that they are crossing boundaries and hurting others with their "jokes". Always pay attention to the basics of [nonviolent communication](https://app.hellodearest.io/article/nonviolent-communication-how-we-learn-to-speak-better), otherwise the conversation could backfire. If a conversation is not possible for you, try to turn to a supervisor. If that's not possible either, it may be a good idea to get outside help.

## Identify stress factors and untie knots

Stress is one of the main factors that lead to an unhealthy work situation. According to psychologist Ronald E. Riggio, there are the following warning signs that indicate a stressful work atmosphere:

- Ambiguity. When roles and responsibilities are not clearly defined and everyone is responsible for everything, it can lead to frustration and redundant work processes.
- Lack of appreciation and feedback. If you meet your goals, deliver on time, but are rarely or never appreciated for it, it can lead to dissatisfaction. The same is true with pay: if it's unequal or too low, or if it doesn't come on time, these are problems that should be addressed.
- Elbow mentality and competition. A society conditioned on performance produces people who are in competition with each other. This leads to an uncomfortable work atmosphere.
- Misconduct by supervisors. When supervisors behave inappropriately, it often leads to a feeling of powerlessness among employees. This makes it all the more important to stand up to them.

If you feel that your job is stressing you out, try to figure out what it is. Go through the points above and see if they apply to you. Possible solutions may include the following:

- Ambiguity: first, think for yourself about what your qualifications are and what work you like to do and do well. Contact your supervisor and ask him or her to define your role with you.
- Lack of appreciation: If you feel that your work is not appreciated enough, address this as well. Keep your own feelings in the conversation and explain your situation without making accusations.
- Elbow mentality: Speak directly to the people concerned and confront them calmly and objectively with the feelings they trigger in you.
- Misconduct by superiors: Try to address it directly. If you feel that this is not working, try to find a mediator and talk to colleagues.

It may well be that you are in a situation where you cannot implement these approaches. In that case, it is advisable to have a mediating conversation with an outsider and get coaching. Before stress starts to affect your mental health, it may also make sense to change jobs. Because the latter is more valuable than the best salary.

*You know these problems but are stuck in a dead-end job? Let's talk about it! We'll find a solution in a personal conversation.*

Sources: Westerlaken, Kristie; Woods, Peter: The relationship between psychopathy and the Full Range Leadership Model. In: Personality and Individual Differences. January, 2013.

Balley, Lily: Challenging Racism in the Workplace. In: Psychology Today, 2020.

Stress at work can lead to mental problems. With these tips we can make our work more beautiful and healthier.

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Stress at work: How we can make our work more beautiful