Today’s work climate in almost every industry is fast-paced and driven by productivity. When performance is a priority, high expectations usually lead the charge. It becomes a standard practice for employers to set lofty goals around growth, success, and innovation.
This is a great mindset for the business and top-level management. However, it often leaves many employees feeling intense pressure. When this is a daily dynamic, it can lead to burnout, stress, and declining mental health.
Navigating job pressures requires a certain level of resilience, but you also need effective strategies to maintain the balance between performance and well-being. Here we’ll explore ways to effectively deal with the pressures of meeting high expectations at work.
Clarify Your Expectations
Knowing what is expected of you will help you better manage any associated stress. If you’re unclear, don’t be afraid to ask questions to ensure your understanding.
Once you know your end goal, break that down into smaller, more manageable tasks to give you checkpoints along the way. Big, hairy goals tend to be overwhelming, but smaller ones are easier for the brain to process. With that, you can set realistic deadlines for each smaller goal. You also get the bonus of seeing yourself accomplish things along the way.
Communicate and Speak Up
Communication with your team and your supervisor is crucial. Not only do you want to keep the lines of communication open for status updates, but also for any points where you feel overwhelmed. Don’t be afraid to speak up.
Your team is there to support you, and your supervisor should have your best interests in mind. When you succeed, they succeed. Being honest will allow you the opportunity to negotiate new deadlines or make task adjustments if possible.
If you notice that pressures are consistent throughout your department or office as a whole, consider advocating for change. Suggest improvements that could reduce the pressure or promote more of a balance.
Manage Your Time Effectively
Time is something we feel like we have a lot of, but then goes by before we know it. Finding ways to maximize your time and manage it effectively will help keep your stress levels down in the long run.
Get in the habit of using your calendar to organize your day, making sure to block time where it’s needed. Make to-do lists to give yourself a visual prompt of what you have ahead of you.
As much as you may want to multitask, it can be a source of stress and hinder your productivity. When possible, stick to one task at a time. Silence your emails during dedicated project times.
Prioritize Self-Care Outside of Work
When you have high expectations at work, it’s important to make sure you have a healthy work-life balance. Give yourself breaks to recharge, where you’re not focusing on work or job-related responsibilities.
Prioritize the daily things that we all need to maintain a healthy status quo. Get the right amount of sleep each night. Focus on nutrient-rich foods, avoiding those that are high in sugar or overly processed. Leave time to get in some form of daily physical activity.
Establish a Support System
No one is meant to deal with this type of pressure alone. Lean on your coworkers, friends, and family when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Seek out advice and encouragement when it’s needed.
If you have the option, share the workload with trusted colleagues. Tag-teaming a project can help ease some of the pressure.
Need More Help?
Are you experiencing high expectations in your current role? Is your work stress causing a decline in your mental health? Are you searching for more effective ways to manage stress and anxiety? We are here to help you balance the scales. Contact us to get started on your journey.
