Anger in the workplace is an issue. In other words, workplace tensions and disagreements can’t be avoided. Nonetheless, we and the business as a whole may reap significant rewards if we can learn to control our negative emotions at work.
When one’s mental and emotional states are both stable, productivity rises and tasks become more pleasurable and manageable. In the grand scheme of things, our coworkers will have a better time and the company as a whole will reap the benefits.
Why Do We Become Angry Sometimes?
I could list several situations when this happens, but here are a few: when a coworker receives credit for something we accomplished when a project we worked hard on is rejected and derided, and when someone less qualified than us gets the promotion we so desperately sought. Even the most level-headed person would get enraged, dissatisfied, and disappointed in such a scenario.
Anger is a fundamental human emotion, essential to our own existence. Anger is a natural reaction to feeling threatened or frustrated; it motivates us to take action to protect ourselves and gives us the mental and physical strength to do so.
While it’s natural to feel anger after being mistreated, for example, the difficulty arises when that anger is expressed in ways that cause damage to the person expressing it or to others.
The strength and efficacy of our emotions as a means of communication are much beyond that of mere words.
The Effects of Anger in the Workplace
Individual traits of workers, as well as environmental circumstances, may be considered contributors to anger in the workplace. Depending on the person one is angry towards, various behaviors emerge.
Anger is rarely directed at one’s manager but is instead expressed indirectly; among coworkers, it is only directed at those with whom we share the most profound bonds and the most trust; and among superiors, it often takes on a pedagogical value, in that it can be emphasized to improve work performance.
How Can the Firm Help?
As the most common and underreported kind of workplace violence, “minor” aggression must be explicitly forbidden by corporate policy. That’s why we can’t stand when people are rude to one other for no reason. But at the same time, and most importantly, there has to be ongoing encouragement and propagation of a culture of confidence in people and respect between managers and employees.
Here you also might want to consider using an employee experience platform to provide open communication channels in your workplace. Check Empactivo by requesting a demo!
What Can Be Done?
Anger that cannot be contained is one of the most harmful human emotions in the workplace. One of the finest things you can do for a peaceful and productive work life is to develop self-control if you struggle with losing your cool on the job. Anger management therapy with a psychologist might be helpful if you’re unable to rein in your rage on your own.
Don’t Bury Anger in the Workplace or Don’t Ignore It
Understand that feeling angry is natural and appropriate. Anger is hardwired into our genetic makeup; it’s how we react to threats to our survival. By allowing yourself to feel what you’re feeling instead of trying to suppress it, you’ll free up mental space to concentrate on finding solutions.
Remove The Anger in the Workplace From Its Setting
Removing yourself physically from the aggravating circumstance as soon as you sense anger rising might be helpful. If you want to immediately discard the unwanted item, getting up from your desk to contact a friend or take a few deep breaths might help you resist the urge.
Determine What Caused the Anger in the Workplace
The first step in learning to control your emotions is identifying the people and situations that make you furious. To better predict and regulate your responses in the future, it might be helpful to pay attention to the situations and individuals present when you feel furious.
Pay Attention to the Answer Rather Than the Dilemma
Don’t spend time and energy obsessing about what’s making you furious; doing so will just keep you mired in your negative feelings and prevent you from thinking clearly and fixing the situation at hand.
To wrap up, I’d want to consider the benefits of anger, which include the ability to stand up for one’s rights and accomplish one’s goals via the strategic use of anger. Those in prominent positions in an organization are more likely to show signs of rage because they must advocate for not just their own interests but also those of their coworkers.