CHECK Magazin - Gesundheitsmagazin für Männer No.11

Work Life
WHAT TO DO WHEN EVERYTHING
GETS TOO MUCH AT WORK?
In order to bring about change at a structural,
institutional and/or social level, one can
get involved politically, join a union or initiate
corporate change and management processes.
While these are commendable approaches, they
can also be tedious that cost additional time and
energy. But what do we do if we cannot transform
the entire world of work, but still wish for an
improvement? What can we do for ourselves on
a personal level to “detoxify” our working life?
A STRONG TEAM
Already when looking for a job, one should
pay attention to signs of whether the working
environment is healthy or possibly toxic. We
should not only show that we are well qualified
for the company, but also check whether the
company is a good fit for us and whether our
first impressions of our colleagues, bosses and
working atmosphere are right. Because if you get
along with your colleagues and superiors, you can
overlook the little things and get through tough
times together. Therefore, the whole team should
be involved in the selection of a new employee,
and a close look should be taken to see whether
they fit into the team.
A strong team overcomes hurdles together
and is a decisive motivating factor. If we build
up a stable network through which we receive
professional and social support and in which we
can share joy and success, this contributes significantly
to our well-being at work and our health.
MAKE IT PRETTY!
The interior design also influences the working
atmosphere and our motivation to come to
work. Do we like the working area, is it bright
and inviting, are there e.g. plants, fruit bowls and
relaxation options? Of course, not all of us can
work in a hip “feel good office”. Small changes
are often enough to make you feel better. After
the workplace has been newly set up, there will
definitely be colleagues with whom you can start
an office beautification project.
HAVE COURAGE AND TALK ABOUT
WHAT BOTHERS YOU!
We can work towards a positive climate by communicating
openly and treating our colleagues
with respect. Many want transparency and
open communication, but this also requires the
courage to address unpleasant issues. Instead
of letting off steam with colleagues, it is worth
trying to talk to the person concerned and thus
get rid of problems straight away – without eating
them up.
People are often unaware of
the impact their behaviour or
decisions have on others. It
is important to be specific
and make positive suggestions.
The basics of constructive criticism include: staying
calm, respectfully describing our experiences
from the first-person perspective, listening
actively and being aware that possible defensive
reactions are natural. At the same time, we have
to be open to feedback from others and allow
different views to exist. In this way, we promote
a positive feedback culture and actively contribute
to change. If there is a fundamental lack of
an open, appreciative communication culture in
the company, addressing it openly can promote
change and prompt management, for example,
to establish communication training or teambuilding
measures. How we lead by example has
a major impact on the working atmosphere and
how others treat us. If we feel overwhelmed or
underwhelmed and address this openly, solutions
can be found together.
It can be particularly difficult for people who have
experienced discrimination to stand up for themselves.
But especially for them it is important to
strengthen their self-confidence again, to address
needs and not to be intimidated, but to take the
space they are entitled to.
SET REALISTIC GOALS AND
SCHEDULE BREAKS
Achieving goals makes you happy. However, we
are not performance machines. Therefore, it is
important to set manageable and achievable
goals and to celebrate even small successes.
Breaks are important so we don’t burn out. These
should be used to switch off and scheduled as ▶
CHECK BERLIN #11 17