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Helpful tips for employees to keep their sanity and jobs
2007-02-07
Tired of too much work and too little time to do it? Frustrated with the boss and stressed to the limit with no relief in sight? Before quitting the day job and heading to a remote island, a weekly science magazine suggests six steps which could lead to a stress-free career. The advice ranges from learning to switch off and take holidays to modern stress-busting techniques including a lunchtime visit to an oxygen bar. First on the list is creating a good work space -- not too cluttered, cramped or near loud, annoying co-workers. "Although it is oh-so-clear what your employer needs from you, few bosses have considered what kind of place you need from them," New Scientists magazine said on Wednesday. The wrong work environment can send stress levels soaring. Lighting, chairs, temperature, ambience and even the height of partitions is important. Partitions should not be higher than 1.3 metres so employees do not forget they are not alone. Increasing one's status and taking control is also important. Educating yourself, negotiating better hours, having more control over days off and developing team rituals can help to improve status. The magazine also stressed the importance of being social but not too social. "No matter how monotonous your job or how close you are to being laid off, social support from work colleagues will help lower your stress levels," according to New Scientist. But it added that a balance is necessary because sociability to the point to not getting anything done is counter-productive and raises anxiety levels. E-mails, instant messaging and using a BlackBerry device can turn into addictions so it's also vital to learn to switch off, which includes taking holidays. The French, who take an average of 39 annual paid holidays a year, are better at taking time off than Britons who manage about 24 days a year and Americans, most of whom take only 10 days. And if the perfect office, friendly colleagues and switched off technical devices don't do the trick, try a stress-busting technique such as yoga, meditation or even the oxygen bar. "The claim is that breathing in a cocktail containing 30 percent oxygen -- as compared with 21 percent you get out in the open air -- will relax you," the magazine added.
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