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. For instance, impulsivity (for example, 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 impairment, mental illness or other disability, 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 (Brain Injury Association of Queensland, 2007).
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—see relevant links below)
- 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 feedback (appointing a mentor or 'buddy' for this purpose may be effective)
- praise positive displays of emotion (this can be as easy as a simple 'well done' or showing gratitude for controlling negative emotions) or offer rewards for positive changes, in order to maintain motivation levels
- foster a healthy lifestyle for workers, for example be conscious of stress levels in the workplace, encourage physical fitness and if lunches are provided, make healthy foods available—this can aid in promoting well being and controlling negative emotions at work. See link below for more information:
- assist workers with the development of effective problem solving skills in order to identify the direct cause of any anxiety, frustration, unhappiness and to determine possible solutions to the problem. See link below for more information:
(Vadim Kotelnikov 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. 2007, Challenging Behaviours – Fact Sheet, Brain Injury Association of Queensland Inc., Brisbane, viewed 6 July 2007, <http://braininjury.org.au/portal/content/view/51/309/>.
Vadim Kotelnikov 2007, Building Successful Relationships, Ten3 Business e-Coach, San Diego, viewed 14 July 2007, <http://www.1000ventures.com/business_guide/crosscuttings/relationships_main.html>