Stressful Work Environments

Dear Sue:
I work for a company that believes that keeping a person under stress will make him work harder. People come and go with that company weekly. I have been employed there for five years and I can tell I’ve turned into a colder, tougher person. I follow all the rules, never miss work, and I have a top quality work performance, with one exception — I forgot to initial some paperwork I completed, and was severely reprimanded. Considering my track record, I don’t think I deserved the harsh criticism. My supervisor said that they are cracking down on people and going to be even stricter in their policies.
My doctor told me at my last appointment that I should change my lifestyle and my job. I think it would be just as stressful to start over in a job, and I don’t want to lose my benefits. What do you suggest I do?
– Stressed

Sue Says:
I understand your dilemma and your desire to take the path that will cause you the least amount of additional stress. However, the fact that your doctor has suggested you change your lifestyle and look for another job leads me to believe that your situation at work is taking a bigger toll on you than you realize. No job and no benefit package can be worth losing your health over.
If you really want to stay, you will need to make some adjustments, and your doctor’s orders may help you. Have you ever talked with anyone in your company about the stressful environment? Although you may not see the changes you want, it is worth a try to talk with others in position of authority and to come up with suggestions about ways to reduce the stressful environment.
— Sue Morem is a professional speaker, best-selling author and syndicated columnist. Her books include How to Gain the Professional Edge, 101 Tips for Graduates, and the just released How to Get a Job and Keep It, Second Edition. You can send questions to her by email at asksue@suemorem.com or visit her web site at http://www.suemorem.com.
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