In today’s fast-paced world, daily stress levels have become so high that feeling stressed all the time feels almost normal, especially at work, where pressure to meet set goals can spark fears and worries that turn into anxiety.
It’s not always easy to tell stress and anxiety apart, since their symptoms are similar. However, two key differences allow us to clearly distinguish between them.
One is duration. Stress is time-limited, it comes and goes over a defined period, while anxiety tends to be long-lasting and persistent.
The other distinguishing factor is that stress is triggered by specific situations or events; it has a concrete, identifiable cause. Anxiety, on the other hand, can arise without any apparent reason, making it more overwhelming and harder to manage, since it appears spontaneously and without a clear trigger.
Looking at both factors, it’s reasonable to say that being under consistently high levels of stress can lead to anxiety, making stress an important precursor to anxiety in the workplace.
Put simply, stress is the body’s reaction to a difficult situation or perceived threat; anxiety is the body’s reaction to prolonged, continuous exposure to stress.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Workplace Anxiety?
While anxiety can occur in any type of job, some roles are more prone to the kind of constant stress that triggers it, including stockbrokers, emergency room physicians, journalists, call center employees, and bank tellers.
In general, the most common causes of workplace anxiety include working in a role or field that doesn’t suit us, along with a lack of tools and resources to do the job properly.
Compensation that’s too low or doesn’t match the role’s responsibilities also creates ongoing worry and discontent that takes a toll on daily life.
Working in a toxic, high-stress environment, or dealing with authoritarian or incompetent leadership, can significantly raise stress levels, which over time can develop into anxiety.
If someone feels underprepared for their role, or doubts their ability to carry out its responsibilities, the frustration and low self-esteem this generates can become a trigger for workplace anxiety.
Another common source of workplace anxiety is the setting of overly ambitious or unrealistic goals, deadlines, and targets, creating constant pressure and fear that turn into anxiety.
How Can I Manage Workplace Anxiety?
While anxiety in general tends to arise without a specific identifiable trigger, in a work context it can be easier to trace the source by examining the events or factors that cause stress. By identifying and addressing those stressors, it’s possible to reduce or even eliminate anxiety.
Here are some tips that can help manage workplace anxiety:
Organize your day by creating a schedule that includes tasks, timelines, goals, breaks, relaxation time, and physical activity. It’s equally important to learn to set daily limits on activities and working hours, and to establish realistic goals.
