What To Do When Your Boss Pressurizes You – Try These 5 Ways

Written By Aleena

Too much pressure can even break the best of us. If you’re struggling to cope with work-related stress, let us help ease it. Let’s learn what to do when your boss pressurizes you.

It’s no secret that the workplace can be a breeding ground for stress. Whether it’s long hours, demanding deadlines, or demanding clients.

There are plenty of factors that can contribute to a high-pressure work environment.

5 Things To Do When Your Boss Pressurizes You

A certain amount of pressure can be motivating. However, too much of it can quickly lead to burnout.

If your boss is pressurizing you, here is how to deal with it.

1. Talk To Your Boss:

The first step is to talk to your boss about your feelings. It’s essential to be honest, and direct.

Explain that you’re struggling to cope with the amount of pressure you’re under.

Opening up the conversation - What To Do When Your Boss Pressurizes You

Let them know what specific factors are causing you stress. And ask for their help in finding a solution.

For instance, you could ask them to lighten your workload. Or give you more time to complete tasks.

Or, you could request additional resources, such as hiring an assistant. Your boss may not be aware of their behavior’s effect on you.

By opening up the conversation, you can help them understand your perspective.

2. Set Boundaries:

It’s important to set boundaries with your boss. If they’re constantly emailing you outside of work hours, let them know that you’re not available after a specific time.

You can also set boundaries by saying no to additional projects. 

If you’re already overwhelmed with work, taking on more will only worsen the situation.

It’s also important to take breaks when you need them. If you’re feeling stressed, step away from your desk for a few minutes.

Take a walk, or grab a cup of coffee. This will help clear your head and allow you to come back to your work refreshed.

And most importantly, do not let your boss make you feel guilty for taking a break.

3. Seek Support From Colleagues:

One of the best ways to deal with a pressurizing boss is to seek support from your colleagues.

Talk to them about how you’re feeling and ask for their advice. 

It can be helpful to have someone to vent to who understands what you’re going through.

Your colleagues can also provide practical support. Such as covering for you when you need to take a break.

Or, they could help with some of your work tasks. Likewise, they may be able to put in a good word for you with your boss.

In the end, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. There are plenty of people who have dealt with a pressurizing boss.

4. Take Care of Yourself:

It’s essential to take care of yourself both physically and mentally. When you’re under a lot of stress, it can be challenging to maintain a healthy lifestyle. 

But, it’s essential to make an effort to eat well, exercise, and get enough sleep.

These things will help you cope with stress and improve your overall well-being. It would help if you also made time for activities that you enjoy outside of work.

This will help you relax and de-stress. And, it will give you something to look forward to during the workweek.

Such as, you can go for a walk in the park, read your favorite book, or spend time with family and friends.

5. Seek Professional Help:

If you’re struggling to cope with a pressurizing boss, it may be time to seek professional help.

Consider meeting with a therapist or counselor. They can help you manage your stress and anxiety.

And they can provide valuable tools and resources for dealing with difficult situations.

Stress and anxiety. - What To Do When Your Boss Pressurizes You

You may also want to consider talking to HR. They may be able to mediate the situation between you and your boss.

Or, they could offer additional support, such as counseling services. Or, they may be able to help you find a new job.

There are several things you can do if your boss is pressurizing you. The most important thing is to look out for yourself.

Learn What To Do In These 10 Specific Situations

Here are some most common situations that can be pressure from your boss. You can learn how to handle them independently.

1. They Yell At You:

Nobody deserves to be yelled at. It is unprofessional, creating a very hostile work environment. 

If your boss yells at you, the best thing you can do is to stay calm. Don’t yell back, don’t cry, and don’t let them see that they got to you.

Instead, please take a deep breath and calmly explain to them that you don’t deserve to be treated this way.

You can try saying, “I understand that you’re upset, but I don’t deserve to be treated this way. 

I’m happy to talk about this issue, but I don’t think yelling is productive.”

If the situation doesn’t improve, you may want to consider talking to HR.

2. They Micromanage You:

If your boss looks out for every tiny detail in your work, it can be very stressful.

And it can make you feel like you’re not doing a good job. Or you don’t have the freedom to be creative.

But, the best thing you can do is try to stay calm and constructive.

Micromanaged.

Explain to them that you understand their concerns but that you’re capable of doing the job.

And ask for their trust. Say as such, “I understand that you want everything to be perfect. But, I’m confident in my ability to do the job well. 

Can you please trust me to do it?”

If they still don’t trust you, you may want to consider finding a new job.

3. They Give You Unreasonable Deadlines:

Unreasonable deadlines are one of the most common sources of stress.

When you can not complete the task in the given time, it puts a lot of pressure on you.

You might doubt your abilities and start to feel like you’re not good enough. 

If your boss is constantly giving you unrealistic deadlines, it’s essential to have a conversation with them.

Explain to them that you’re happy to do your best but need more time.

And ask for a realistic timeline. If they’re not willing to budge, you may need to consider finding a new job.

You might want to say, “I think this timeline is unrealistic. I’m happy to do my best, but I need more time.”

Or, “I don’t think I can complete this task in the time you’re asking for. Can we please talk about a better timeline?”

4. They Criticize You Often:

If your boss is constantly critiquing your work, it can be very discouraging. You doubt your capabilities, but you also question your worth as an employee.

But, it’s important to remember that constructive criticism is a good thing. It can help you improve and grow as an employee.

So, try to take their criticism as a source of motivation. And use it as an opportunity to learn and improve.

But if their criticism is constantly negative and unreasonable, you may need to have a conversation with them.

Explain to them that their constant criticism is affecting your work. And ask for their help in finding a solution.

Say something like, “I’m struggling to deal with your constant criticism. Can we find a way to work together so I can improve?” 

Or “I’m having trouble meeting your expectations. Can you help me understand what you’re looking for?” 

5. They Make You Work Long Hours:

If you’re regularly working long hours, it affects your work-life balance poorly.

You are missing out on time with family and friends, but you’re also not getting enough rest.

This can lead to burnout, which is a severe problem. Also, it can affect your mental and physical health.

Ask your boss to help you find a way to complete your work promptly.

And explain to them that you need more time for yourself. You may say, “I’m not comfortable working these long hours. Is there anything we can do to complete the work in a timely manner?” 

Or, “I’m starting to feel burned out. I need some time for myself. Do you have any suggestions?”

If they’re not willing to budge, you may need to find a new job.

6. They Don’t Listen To You:

If your boss doesn’t listen to you, you might feel like your opinions and ideas don’t matter. And that can lead to a feeling of devaluation.

Disagree with your boss.

The best thing you can do is to try to stay calm. Explain your point of view clearly and concisely.

Also, it’s important to remember that you don’t always have to agree with your boss. It’s okay to disagree but do so respectfully.

You could say, “I understand where you’re coming from, but I disagree. 

Let us do it this way.”

Or, “I know you have a different opinion but can you please hear me out?”

7. They Make Unreasonable Demands:

Unreasonable demands add to your workload and put you in a difficult position. You might feel like you can’t say no, leading to feelings of resentment.

You might be guilty of not being able to do it all or not being able to do it perfectly. It’s essential to have a conversation with your boss if you feel overwhelmed.

You can say, “I’m happy to do my best but I can’t do everything you’re asking of me. 

Can we please discuss what’s most important?”

Or, “I’m feeling overwhelmed by all of these demands. Can we please priorities so I can focus on what’s most important?”

Conclusion:

So here you have all the ways you can deal with a boss who is constantly putting pressure on you.

It’s important to remember that you don’t have to put up with their bad behavior. And you have a right to stand up for yourself.

But always try to do so respectfully and professionally.

Aleena

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