Managing Work Stress in Public Relations
Originally posted to www.carnsight.com
Working in PR can be highly demanding with PR pros wearing a lot of different hats, and so managing work stress is an important aspect of the job. From being responsible for maintaining a positive public image for clients or organisations to handling crises and juggling multiple tasks simultaneously, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Despite the many pressures of the job, adopting effective strategies for managing work stress can help PR pros find balance and success in their roles.
One of the keys to managing work stress in PR is prioritisation. To stay ahead of the curve, it is essential to create daily to-do lists, use project management tools (I personally enjoy Trello, Notion and Google Cal) , and set realistic deadlines. There will always be lots of different things vying for your attention, but having good prioritisation skills will ensure you stay organised and in control of your workload.
Effective time management is also crucial for PR professionals who have to juggle multiple tasks, from media relations to event planning. Things like blocking out time for tasks, learning when to say no, and taking regular breaks to recharge and maintain focus are all great ways to better manage your time.
I know it’s a cliché, but stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness and meditation really can help us manage our work stress. Mindfulness and meditation, exercise, and deep breathing exercises are all effective techniques that can help us stay grounded and reduce anxiety. It is important to find a technique that works best for you and make it a habit to practice regularly.
Active listening, conflict resolution, and setting boundaries are all skills that can help prevent misunderstandings and reduce stress. When PR professionals communicate effectively, we can work more efficiently and avoid unnecessary stress.
If work stress becomes overwhelming, don’t hesitate to seek support. Talking to a supervisor or manager, leaning on the team, or even seeking professional help from a therapist or counsellor can all help manage stress and maintain good mental health. It is essential to remember that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness and we all need people to lean on and talk to from time to time.
Ultimately, managing work stress in any role, including PR, requires a combination of effective time management, stress-reduction techniques, communication skills, and seeking support when needed. By adopting these strategies and being open to help, we can better navigate the demanding world of PR while maintaining our own well-being. Remember, as Carnsight’s Jess always says, it’s PR not ER, and so it’s okay to prioritise your mental health in times of need.
At Carnsight Communications we create strategies and campaigns to showcase our clients’ brilliant work through PR, content and social media. We help them get noticed by the right audience, at the right time. We specialise in creative agency PR.
