BY: LISA R. WILSON

We all know this guy. Or maybe we are this guy.

Source: StupidVideos.com

It can be widely agreed upon that we are living in stressful times. The economy is not doing that great, we are having to shell out for OMG! gas prices, and the housing market is in an ever-sinking slump. Tensions are high all around, and nerves are being tested for pretty much anyone who doesn’t live in the 90210 zip code. Not surprisingly, personal and financial stresses are not being left at home and are following American employees into the workplace. “Work rage” is the newest phrase that seems to be popping up all over, regardless of industry or occupation. And its adverse affect on the economy, and on the health of American workers, is becoming increasingly widespread.

In a survey conducted by Columbia University of more than 1,300 American workers, 42% said yelling and verbal abuse took place where they worked and 29% admitted that they themselves have yelled at co-workers. Further, 10% of respondents said they work in an atmosphere where physical violence has occurred. In addition, 11% of employees polled admitted to drinking too much alcohol as a means of “trying to cope” with the stresses of work and personal life, 26% resorting to excessive amounts of chocolate, 34% suffering from chronic insomnia, and 16% to smoking in extreme.

Although work rage can definitely be attributed to the carried-over stresses and pressures employees bear while off-the-clock, studies have found that employees being required to perform more occupational tasks than they can handle in a typical workday is becoming old hat. 50% of employees surveyed in the Columbia study said they commonly skip lunch to complete their workload and 52% said they have had to work more than 12 hours in a day to get their job done.

Work rage not only affects the employee who is afflicted, but can cast a dark shadow over co-workers and on the company as a whole. There are signs a co-worker is suffering from work rage. Symptoms include:

• Refuses to cooperate with others, even those in authority
• Spreads rumors and gossip with the intention of harming others
• Consistently argues with superiors, employees, colleagues and/or clients
• Constantly swears at others
• Acts belligerently toward superiors, employees, colleagues and/or clients, and
• Makes unwanted sexual comments.

Workplace rage is a serious thing, and if left untreated (or non-confronted), can lead to disastrous results—hence the term, “gone postal.” If you suspect a co-worker is experiencing work rage, or if you feel you are on the brink of it yourself, notify your employer and explain the situation so that some corrective steps can be taken. The stresses of life may not go away, but workplace burdens can be addressed and hopefully eased. For more information about your rights in the workplace, contact a Lead Counsel Labor and Employment Attorney in your area today.

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