Desk Rage in Today's Office Environment

Is the guy in the cubicle next to you a raging bull? Do you cringe every time you talk to the purchasing manager because she yells at you for submitting sloppy purchase requisitions?

You may be one of the many workers in America dealing with "desk rage" which is a relatively new phenomenon in the workplace.

Desk rage is a name given to angry behavior that can go from verbal to physical expression. For example, if the raging bull throws a tape dispenser at you, that is desk rage. Some experts believe this is a trend while others think it is a symptom of a more serious problem.

"Volence both verbal and otherwise is a huge workplace issue, and that makes me wonder—why do we need to manufacture a bogus trend like "desk rage" to get people to take it seriously. Says John Hollan, Editor of Workforce Management in a recent online article for AOL.

The trend may not be as bogus as Hollan thinks. According to a survey commissioned by Integra Realty Resources in New York City, 42 percent of the 1,305 workers surveyed say yelling and verbal abuse occurs at their workplace and 10 percent say they worked in places where physical violence has occurred.

The cause of all this verbal and physical abuse seems to be stress. Nearly two-thirds (61 percent) believe workplace stress is a problem for them at least occasionally. Nevertheless, 32 percent of American workers believe rudeness of co-workers and clients is a major source of stress. Twenty-nine percent blame it on an excessive workload.

Whatever causes desk rage, the answer is to control yourself and your reaction to the rage directed at you. Your career could depend on it.

For the complete story, go to http://jobs.aol.com/article/_a/stand-up-to-desk-rage-and-rude-people-at/20080729121609990001

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