Work pressure is more than just work pressure. It is a structural imbalance between the workload you can handle and the workload you experience. Not only does the quality of your work suffer, but also your mental and physical condition. You are constantly on your toes. In recent years, work pressure has increased everywhere, the corona crisis and working from home only seem to accelerate this development. That is worrying, because work pressure can lead to serious health problems: from overload and stress to overstrain and burnouts. What can you do about work pressure?
What to do against high work pressure?
When the work pressure is too high, it differs per person. What one person experiences as work pressure, can be a nice challenge for another. If you're feeling work pressure, there are a few things you can do.
Indicate your limits
Please let us know if you are bothered by anything. Do you have too much work, too little time or are you experiencing too much pressure? Speak clearly to your colleagues and supervisor. Remember that you may experience something as pressure, while your colleagues may not feel it that way. This does not mean that your experience is unimportant. Moreover: if you do not declare anything, your employer will not know that you are bothered.
Find contact
Social contact is a common and effective way to deal with stress and work pressure. Call your friends, family or colleagues. Pick up the phone more often or video call each other. Social contact helps us to put things into perspective and to vent. That way it can make a world of difference.
Apply structure
Determine for yourself when you work, what you want to finish when and - also very important - when you are not working for a while. Be clear about this to your colleagues and supervisor. This way they know when they can count on you and you know when you don't have to be 'on'.
Sleep regularly, eat healthy and keep in (mental) movement
This will make you feel healthier. Moreover, you remain clear, so that you can continue to think reasonably, calmly and objectively and you can better arm yourself against worry and pressure. Make sure you get out regularly. In addition, try to stay mentally active: write, read, do brain games or (crossword) puzzles.
Contact the company doctor
If the above tips do not work, you can always contact the company doctor. This can help and support you to lower your stress level.
Call in sick
Do the above measures not work, is it really too much for you and are you no longer able to perform your work properly? Then you can call in sick. The company doctor will then assess whether and to what extent you are still able to work. After you report sick, it is important to comply with your reintegration obligations.
More information
Do you have questions about high work pressure or do you notice that you get health problems due to work pressure? Would you like to discuss your situation and possible solutions with your employer? Contact us. Our Service Center is available every working day from 8.00 am to 18.00 pm via sc@unie.nl and 0345 851 963.Not receiving our newsletter yet? Then sign up quickly.
