Trends with Benefits: How to Let Go

Every year Event Planner is on the list of most stressful jobs. Juggling expectations vs reality, budgets, increasing costs and dietary restrictions are just a few of the stresses that event planners have to deal with on a day-to-day basis.  Sales professionals have those same stresses as they need to keep their clients happy and have to maintain their increasing sales goals. If you know what is causing you stress and how to create an environment that is positive, you will have a much better handle on it.

According to the American Psychological Association's (APA) annual Stress in America Survey only 37 percent of Americans surveyed said they were doing an excellent or very good job managing stress.

The most common reasons for stress in the work place and how to overcome them:

• Low salaries- 
  Ask for a raise if you believe you are underpaid. Continue your professional development and add more value to the company so you can get a raise at the end of the year.
  
  
• Excessive workloads- 
  Try to delegate or find ways to improve processes. If something isn’t working, find a way to fix it. There are usually ways you can cut down on your workload.
  
  
• Few opportunities for growth or advancement- 
  When you accept a job, ask about the opportunities for advancement. Get certified and continue learning so you are able to advance.  Ask the company to create a position for you.
  
  
• Work is not engaging or challenging- 
  Ask for additional projects or come up with something that will not only challenge you but will be good for the company.
  
  
• Not having enough control over job related decisions- 
  Ask if you can be a part of the decisions and have a seat at the table. Just because you don’t have the title doesn’t mean you don’t have a valuable opinion.
  
  
• Conflicting demands or unclear performance expectations- 
  Request a performance review so everyone is clear on the expectations. If you don’t agree with them be vocal and explain your concerns.
  
  

Tips to keep stress down:

• Track your Stressor - 
  Keep a log or notes on the things which are causing you stress so you can evaluate what needs to change.
  
  
• Establish Boundaries- 
  With the advancing technologies, it is easy for people to feel overwhelmed by their work life once they leave the office. So making some rules may help take away some stress. For example, make a no emails at home rule. (This will depend on your level and position you have accepted)
  
  
• Take time to recharge-
  Don't let your vacation days go to waste. Take time off to relax and unwind, so you come back to work feeling reinvigorated and ready to perform at your best.
  
  
• Learn How to Relax- 
  Find a technique that works for you whether it is meditation, a walk around the block, working out or deep breathing.

The key is to maintain a healthy and positive work environment while still being productive.  The effects of stress are not only mental but physical as well.  If you are feeling stressed, don’t just ignore it, try to fix it.