The Hidden Opportunities of Anger in the Workplace

The workplace can at times be a stressful place.  Workloads, time pressures, coworkers not getting along.  The result can be an increase in flared tempers and a decrease in morale and camaraderie. 

Understanding the Emotion
Anger is not always a "negative" emotion unless it is handled in a destructive way.  It is the body's way of telling us something is wrong.  It is rooted in our ancestral programming of "fight or flight" in the face of perceived danger.  Biologically, it is a protective mechanism.  However, in today's world it is not always appropriate to the situation, and can become destructive to self and others.

Workplace Impact of Anger
When we get angry, it shows in our body.  We can have increased color in the face, clenched muscles, and more rapid breathing.  The employee who becomes angry may internalize the anger which can lead to physical illness and an increase in absenteeism or a decrease in performance.  Another employee may be more likely to lash out at the person she is angry toward, or to the next person who crosses her path, which could be a customer.  Beware of repressed anger which can come out as sarcasm and be hurtful to others.  This can lead to problems with customer service, complaints and present a risk to the organization.

It is important to acknowledge that anger is a universally human reaction and can affect anyone at anytime given the perfect storm of conditions.  And it is not limited to just one or two people, although some individuals may be more prone to a flaring temper than others.

Here are some suggestions on how to help employees handle anger constructively:

Allow for a cool-off period.  Take a break from the intensity of the moment.  Walk away from the conflict and toward a more open space.  If you can, go outside and look up at the sky, which will give you a change of perspective.  If you can't go outside, then try looking out the window as far away as possible for a few moments.

Take three deep breaths in a row as soon as you become aware of rising danger.  The breath is the gateway to the nervous system and intentional deep breathing can begin to reverse the escalation of emotion along with the the co-occurring physical response.

Redirect the physical energy of anger into something more productive.  Exercise, go for a walk, or if you're at home, clean the house.

Keep an anger diary to raise your awareness of what triggers strong emotions - certain people, drivers, certain conditions such as deadlines.  The awareness alone may result in insight and a change in your behavior.  Where possible, avoid those situations that trigger your anger.

If someone has provoked your ire, after you've cooled off, approach the person.  Try starting with, "I am concerned about what just happened."  Focus on the issue rather than the anger.

Begin to see that there is an opportunity in anger.  If it is not possible to change the conditions or the other person, you can learn how to better handle your reaction to the situation.  Anger management offers a panoply of skills that anyone can learn and use in the heat of moment.

Get help by talking to your EAP counselor, read a book, or go to a class to learn ways to manage your anger.

In the words of the Greek philosopher Epictetus,  "Happiness and freedom begin with a clear understanding of one principle:  Some things are within your control, and some are not.  It is only after you have faced up to this fundamental role and learned to distinguish between what you can and can't control that inner tranquility and outer effectiveness become possible." 

Holly Gardner Socolow, MHS, is Manager of Employee Assistance Services at Life Management Associates.  You can contact Holly at 717.394.6688 / 800.327.7770 or via email hsocolow@lifemanagement.cc

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