It is important for all of us to manage or control our feelings and emotions at work. Regular outbursts of anger, sadness, excessive worry or panic can lead to an inability to focus on the task at hand, impact negatively on co-worker morale, affect team work and compromise both safety and productivity. Inappropriate positive emotions such as over-exuberance or over excitement can also result in difficulties interacting with others at work.
A range of disabilities can be associated with negative or inappropriate emotions. Impulsivity such as an inability to control temper, vulnerability or lack of resilience, for example, becoming easily upset, obsessive thoughts and feelings, 'manic' states, intolerance towards others and increased stress levels, can all be attributed to a range of conditions, disabilities or mental illness and can lead to inappropriate emotions expressed at work.
Some people may not be aware of the inappropriateness of their emotions at work and the impact it has on their performance and relationships with others. Awareness can be increased and positive changes made, with the provision of relevant strategies and support. However, it is important to recognise that people have the right not to address their lack of control over emotions, even when they are made aware of the difficulties it causes in the workplace. Respecting this right is important.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
There are a number of strategies and services available for employees needing assistance with displaying appropriate emotions at work.
On the job strategies
increase awareness of relevant professional support services available to staff and ensure privacy is protected, for example, provide details regarding a company’s appointed employee assistance program provider or counselling service in newsletters or via email
- provide a flexible workplace for employees enabling them to take extended leave, attend counselling sessions or access other means of formal or informal support in order to better manage negative emotions. See the link below for more information:
- encourage open communication and active listening skills amongst all staff—taking the time to listen non judgmentally to an employee’s issues and offering empathy can make employees feel more supported and less volatile or fragile (effective communication skills training for staff, particularly supervisors and managers may be useful)
- role play or demonstrate desired or more positive emotions at work, for example, greeting co workers with a friendly smile and offering a warm welcome in the morning, then allow the worker the opportunity to practice for themselves, providing appropriate constructive feedback
- praise positive displays of emotion which can be as easy as a simple 'well done', showing gratitude for controlling negative emotions or offering rewards for positive changes in order to maintain motivation levels
- fostering a healthy lifestyle for workers as well as being conscious of stress levels in the workplace
- encourage physical fitness and if lunches are provided or canteens and vending machines available on site, make healthy foods available. For more information see:
- assist workers with the development of effective problem solving skills in order to identify the direct cause of any anxiety, frustration or unhappiness and to determine possible solutions to the problem. See link below for more information:
(Kotelnikov 2007; Brain Injury Association of Queensland Inc. 2007)
Links to more specific job requirements
There are a number of strategies and support services available to assist in managing anger and frustration levels in the workplace. See the link below for more information:
Support Services
A trained psychologist or counsellor may be able to provide workers with emotional support. See the following links for professional help.
References
Brain Injury Association of Queensland Inc. 2008, Challenging Behaviours – Fact Sheet, Brain Injury Association of Queensland Inc., Brisbane, viewed 1 May 2009, <http://braininjury.org.au/portal/content/view/51/309/>.
Kotelnikov, V. 2007, Building Successful Relationships, Ten3 Business e-Coach, San Diego, viewed 1 May 2009, <http://www.1000ventures.com/business_guide/crosscuttings/relationships_main.html>