Working in the construction, property, and engineering industries can be stressful for even the most seasoned professionals. However, there are ways that you can manage your stress and improve not only the quality of your life but also your professional capabilities.

What is work related stress?

Work related stress refers to the physical, mental, and emotional reactions of workers who perceive their work demands as being too much for their abilities and/or resources, such as time, equipment, and support. Stress can have detrimental effects on mental and physical health, so it’s very important that workers learn mechanisms to manage their stress and know when to seek help.

The health effects of stress

When stressful situations go unresolved, the body is left in a constant state of stimulation, and this can result in psychological and physiological illness. According to Worksafe QLD, common health outcomes linked to stress include cardiovascular disease, immune deficiency disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, and mental disorders.

What you can do

Ask for help

Don’t suffer in silence—if you feel that you are taking on too much responsibility or not coping with your workload, it’s important that you seek help from your employers or your colleagues. Although it can be difficult to ask for help, it is in the best interests of you and the job you are performing.

Manage your time wisely

Managing your time effectively can help to prevent workplace stress. There are a number of ways you can improve your time management, such as making lists, keeping detailed diaries, planning ahead, delegating tasks, and prioritising (see 7 tips for managing time wisely for more information). Using time management systems that work for you will help you to maintain a sense of control over your days and prevent workplace stress from getting out of control.

Break things down

Looking at a project as a whole can be very daunting. To avoid becoming overwhelmed, we recommend that you break large scale jobs down into various smaller tasks. This will help you to focus on performing each step effectively, rather than panicking about the whole.

Need help coping with work related stress?

Worksafe QLD lists some great resources for coping with work related stress, such as that resulting from workload, bullying, conflict, discrimination, performance management, violence, or traumatic events—Find out more.

CONTACT US