Maybe today is the day when you’re about to join a Zoom meeting and the neighbors decide to practice their drumskills. Maybe today is the day when your internet connection decides to get persnickety. Maybe today is the day that a project deadline has been moved up by a few days. In short, maybe today is not your day.
Most of us take a moment to vent. The instant release of emotion, afterall, is an acceptable way of coping with this particularly frustrating scenario, right? You take all of 5 minutes to vent, and then return to work and go about your day.
We can all agree that venting is a healthier option than keeping all your feelings inside. It’s different from complaining because complaining tends to be chronic, while venting is temporary and situational.
We all have good and bad days in the workplace – be it in the office or working from home. Sometimes, you just want to scream into an empty office or ping a colleague to talk about your frustrations. However, is there a way to vent responsibly that won’t land you a visit to the HR department? These are the dos and don’ts of venting in the workplace.
Don’ts
Don’t use group chats or office communication. Many workplace horror stories have been told about sending messages to the wrong recipient. Imagine how awkward it would be to complain about the behavior of a colleague and accidentally send it to that colleague. Also, be careful about email communications. Your IT department has access to internal communications, so don’t send something that could result in serious implications for your role or work relations.
Don’t vent to just about anybody who is within earshot. Choose who you talk to. Ven to someone you trust and not the intern or the gossip girl from that other department.
Do’s
Document your emotions. Journaling is scientifically proven to reduce stress. Writing down your feelings on paper makes them a bit more tangible and less abstract. It also makes them more actionable.
Vent with a non-work friend. Video call a friend and ask if they have the time and mental space for a quick chat to vent. Always ask if they have the bandwidth to help you through. Venting with a non-work friend removes the possibility of accidentally sending an incriminating message to the wrong party.
Get up and walk away from your desk. It’s time to take a breather. Take a few minutes to breathe and gather yourself. When people are stressed, their breathing quickens. Being mindful of your breathing will help you relax and think more clearly. Stepping away from your desk also helps you relax and less inclined to throw your coffee mug at a wall out of frustration.
How about you? How do you handle frustrations in the workplace? What are your venting techniques? Share them with us in the comments. Remember to work smart and be a blessing to someone today. Stay safe and healthy!
Written by Jaie O. TheHelp