Work Smarter
A 2006 survey found that the main causes ofstress in respondents’ lives broke down as follows:
· 46% workload
· 28% personal issues
· 20% juggling work/personal lives
· 6% other
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· That’smore than half of the stress connected in some way with work. And according tothe
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, health careexpenditures are nearly 50% greater for workers who report high levels ofstress.
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· Whatcan we do to cut work-related stress?
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· * Have clear expectations. This requirescommunicating—like emailing a meeting summary to say, “Here’s what I think youexpect from me based on our discussion. Do I understand correctly?”
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· * Limit work hours. Whether you workeight, nine, or twelve hours, the work will keep accumulating. Take your lunchbreak, holidays, and an annual vacation. A rested, un-frazzled employeeultimately produces more.
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· * Set realistic goals for each day. Keepinga to-do list in order of priority will help you focus. If you need to let thephone pick up messages from 2–3 PM so you can stay focused, do it.