Oil and Gas Workplace Stress
Focus on what you can control
Many people consider their jobs to be stressful. While specific sources of stress and how we cope differ from person to person, many of us especially struggle to deal with factors out of our control. Studies show the oil and gas industry has a high proportion of workers suffering from stress and anxiety due to the nature of their work.
Common Sources of Stress
Common job stressors include heavy workloads, strenuous work tasks, the pressure to perform and working in extreme conditions. These stressors are compounded by the everyday demands of commutes, family issues, health problems and other factors that can add to workplace stress. Our ways of living and communicating are constantly changing; adapting to these changes is never stress-free.
Red Flags to a Problem
The following early warning signs serve as red flags to serious health conditions that can be provoked by stress:
- Insomnia
- Anxiety or depression
- Low morale
- Short temper
- Headache
- Stomach or back problems
- Managing Stress
Here are six methods to help you manage stress:
- Plan and prioritize: Set realistic timelines. Creating pressure will only increase the probability that you’ll make a mistake.
- Focus on what you can control: Create a “to-do” list to prioritize your work. Break larger tasks into smaller, more doable steps. Begin with the most pressing tasks and then move on to less important ones.
- Slow down: Think things through before you act. In this way, you’ll prevent having to start over halfway through a task.
- Think outside the box: When you’re feeling overwhelmed or overworked, search for alternative ways to get the job done, but do so safely.
- Use all your resources: Learn to effectively delegate work that you cannot handle.
- Take a break: To relieve stress, make time to take a break. Taking a walk or discussing your work situation with another person may help you to gain a fresh perspective.
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