Anger In The Workplace

Anger is a normal emotion, but it can be destructive if it is not managed effectively.

When there is anger in the workplace it can lead to conflict, a decrease in productivity, and sometimes in a worst-case scenario, even violence.

There are many causes of workplace anger, including:

• Stress: Long hours, tight deadlines, and demanding workloads can all lead to stress, which in turn can push a person to a place of anger and frustration.
• Communication problems: Good communication brings stability and confidence. Poor communication causes tension and uncertainty, which can turn to anger when unresolved.
• Personal problems: People may suffer from stress that isn’t caused by work issues, and instead have an external cause from their personal life. That stress and anger can unintentionally spill over into the workplace.
• Personality clashes: Some people simply don’t get along. These conflicts can divide teams, cause low morale, and affect productivity.

Start by Managing Yourself

Anger is an internal emotion that can cause conflict with others when expressed externally. When you find yourself getting angry at work, it is up to you to control it. Take a few deep breaths, calm your body and mind. If you need to, take a few minutes to walk away and cool down.

It may help to talk with someone you trust as a way of processing your anger. This is not just venting to a buddy about how wrong the other person is being. Seeking an outside perspective, whether from a friend or a professional, will help focus and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

Addressing Conflict with Others

1. Listen to the other person’s point of view: There are two sides in every conflict. It is important to understand why the other person is angry.
2. Acknowledge feelings: Let the other person know that you understand what they are feeling. Try to explain your feelings as well.
3. Find a solution that works for both of you: This may involve compromise. Work together to find a new way of resolving the issue.
4. Apologize if you are at fault: Acknowledging if you have made a mistake will help to mend the relationship. It will also help you to gain growth and learn from the experience.

Anger is a normal emotion, but it is important to manage it effectively. Follow these tips to help work through anger and conflict to create a more positive and productive workplace.

This information is from the Staff Development & Human Resources curriculums. If you’re looking for ways to improve your communication skills, register for one of our public classes.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels

Other Resources:

6 Steps for Dealing with Personality Clashes at Work

Workplace Stress: A Silent Killer of Employee Health and Productivity