How to Answer: How do you deal with stressful situations in the workplace?
22. How do you deal with stressful situations in the workplace?
How to Answer
Ah, the challenge of stress management! Your ability to manage stress will directly influence your ability to do your job successfully. Before answering this question, think of some ways you have learned to deal with stress at work. You can't always take a break when you need it, so what will you do?
Some workplace stress management strategies are:
- Track your primary stress factors and make a plan for overcoming those
- Establish boundaries with distracting coworkers
- Breathing exercises, or meditation
- Be sure to recharge your emotional batteries throughout the day
- Express your stress to your manager/supervisor
- Ask for help
Written by Christine Pasqueretta
Answer Example
"I've learned some helpful breathing techniques that I can do while I'm at work. Even when I'm feeling rushed or overwhelmed by a situation, I can slow down my breathing and remain calm. Once I understood that it was okay for me to take a minute for myself, I learned to handle workplace stressors in a whole new way."
Written by Christine Pasqueretta
Admin
"I tend to work best under stressful situations. For example, the pressure of deadlines from my boss often drive me to work faster and better. I am resistant to stress and able to focus on the work that needs to get accomplished."
Written by Rachelle Enns on May 4th, 2019
Manager
"When stressed, I try to take a break, re-focus, and then get back to work. I also like listening to music in my office when it's appropriate. Not all businesses are OK with that, and I understand."
Written by Rachelle Enns on May 4th, 2019
Marketing
"Stressful situations are bound to happen, and I typically take them as they come and they don't ruffle me too much. I know it's part of the creative process and it's going to pass soon enough."
Written by Rachelle Enns on May 4th, 2019
Retail
"Retail can be very stressful, especially during the holiday season, Black Friday, and other major sales. I resist the stress by being prepared, taking one task at a time, and encouraging teamwork."
Written by Rachelle Enns on May 4th, 2019
Sales
"I do well under pressure or stress, within reason. I obviously need to balance myself and my workload out, as much as possible, or it can become an overwhelming workplace vibe. I know myself and my triggers pretty well, so when I feel like there's too much on my plate, I know how to center myself and just dig in and get through it, knowing I'll come out better on the other side."
Written by Rachelle Enns on May 4th, 2019
Teacher
"I take stressful situations in stride, as much as possible. I'm a mom, a teacher... not a whole lot can phase me at this point, honestly."
Written by Rachelle Enns on May 4th, 2019
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
I remain calm, prioritize my time, and focus on what needs to get done."
Rachelle's Feedback
Anonymous Answer
In order to deal with this, I ensured I took the time to prioritize at the start of each day, making a list of things that needed to be done and crossing them off once they were finished. This helped me visualize the workload, and it was motivating to see things crossed off. I felt it also helped me keep focused and organized.
If my mind started to get frazzled I would take a break, take some fresh air, then come back refreshed."
Stephanie's Feedback