It's perfectly normal to be tired after work. The idea that we spend the day working and come home feeling happy and relaxed in every way would indicate that something is wrong. And I would almost say that it's okay to bring a little bit of work home with us in our heads.

Nevertheless, too much of anything is too much. That is why we must strive to minimize stress at work and, at the same time, only take work home with us in exceptional cases. Let's leave aside the fact that occasional stress can spur us on to greater performance, but when it is constant, sooner or later we will collapse.The situation in the Czech Republic is not much better. Pessimistic data includes a high divorce rate of around 45%, increasing cases of self-harm among children, and the saddest item of all – suicides, which are the second most common cause of death.

So what can we do at work to reduce stress?

1. Maintain friendly and supportive relationships with colleagues.

2. Personally, I believe in being at least moderately accommodating. At the same time, it is important to know how to say no.

3. Focus on everything positive about your job and remind yourself of it.

4. Approach others as positively as possible. Not only is it less exhausting, but it will definitely pay off. Although certainly not 100%. We should also appreciate the positive steps taken by management.

5. Whenever possible, we should not forget about humor and fun.

6. Even at work, we need to take little breaks to relax.

Of course, a significant part of our well-being and stress levels is clearly down to management.

1. Requirements should be consistent and therefore predictable. They should not change unexpectedly from one day to the next without explanation. Predictability increases certainty and therefore well-being.

2. Management should always be smiling, friendly, and kind, which of course does not mean that they do not have expectations and requirements.

3. They should also talk to employees frequently and informally. However, employees must feel that any conversation will not be used against them. There is no need to be afraid to praise and encourage.

4. Satisfied employees tend to be more hard-working and loyal to the company.

5. Most meetings should be as short and to the point as possible.

6. It is good to respect working hours as much as possible—unplanned meetings with management in the afternoon or even early evening do not promote a positive atmosphere.

Václav Mertin