How to Manage Anger in the Workplace

For many people, work can be the primary source of stress, and stress may lead to anger. Overwork, demanding bosses and even jealousy over a co-worker's promotion can produce heated confrontations. While it's not always easy, there are things supervisors and co-workers can do to effectively manage anger in the workplace.

Instructions

• 1

  Address the anger. Don't let it get out of hand. Talk to the individual or, if the anger has caused a confrontation between two or more employees, talk to everyone involved. Try to understand where the anger is coming from.

• 2

  Determine if the anger has arisen from the work environment. Make necessary changes to policies or employee workload. Sometimes an adjustment to the workplace environment can change the angry behavior.

• 3

  Offer anger management and stress management courses to all employees. Bring instructors into the company and offer courses during lunch hours or after work hours. Teaching people how to handle their anger and stress can help manage or prevent anger in the workplace.

• 4

  Manage your own anger in the workplace. Be a role model. As a manager, you should reflect the values and ethics of the company. Show employees how to handle workplace frustrations without resorting to wrath.

• 5

  Turn to others for help in managing the anger if it continues to be a problem, or if a particular situation is not resolved. Go to your human resources department.

• 6

  Teach employees to face and handle their anger. Allow them to take a break when work frustrates them. Going for a walk or spending some time alone can help the anger to diffuse. Help the employee to work through the anger and channel it into more productive efforts.