In the past week, your AHD team reviewed 12 articles related to professional stress, performance anxiety and the suicide rate of veterinary team members. In this edition of AHD BULLETIN, we included information from Susan David, Ph.D., and others about with emotions management. We’ve included this article because it deals with stress as a team problem beyond personal responsibilities.
Source: Veterinary Team Brief, January/February 2014.
Workplace stress must be taken seriously and approached proactively to understand and help team members monitor and manage their stress. Take the time to listen to a stressed team member, share your concerns and observations, and consider ways to address the issue. Also, provide opportunities for team members to come together, discuss what is going on in the practice, express concerns and challenges, and celebrate successes. Transparency, communication, and openness can go a long way in alleviating stress and promoting collegiality.
INSIGHTS: These signs of workplace stress apply anywhere animal health pros are employed:
Common Signs of Workplace Stress. An increase and/or persistence of these symptoms over time could indicate that help is needed:
- Feelings of anxiety, irritability, or depression
- Mood swings
- Emotional reactions (eg. increased sensitivity or crying, aggression, cynicism about work)
- Apathy, or loss of interest, motivation, and/or commitment to work
- Confusion or indecision
- Difficulty sleeping
- Poor memory
- Difficulty concentrating
- Muscle tension or headaches
- Frantic or nervous behavior
- Arriving late and/or leaving early
- Calling in sick and/or taking more time off
- Stomach problems and/or changes in eating habits
- Social withdrawal
- Using alcohol or drugs
- Increased workplace conflict