Authors perspectives on workplace anxiety

Sonia Layne-Gartside is the author of the debut publication Workplace Anxiety –  How to Refuel and Re-Engage which was released on Amazon, Apple Books and Barnes and Noble on May 2, 2020.

Layne-Gartside said that she wrote the book because through trial and error she has learnt the tips and tricks that have worked for her in the workplace.

“I have made all the mistakes at work and learned from them. So, the book contains all the tips, techniques and strategies that have worked for me. Also, as someone who has experienced significant change, I wanted to share that knowledge,” she said.

Layne-Gartside’s book is split into four sections which are: Harness your anxiety, unleash your powers, roar and lead your company to success.

She said that her first chapter Harness Your Anxiety was written because 12 years ago she fully understood what was needed to move forward and advance in her career.

“Twelve years ago I fully understood that to move forward and advance, to bet on yourself, you have got to harness the anxiety that change brings.

And I was making a massive change. I got married, quit my very successful job and career, packed up and moved to another country where I only knew one person – my new husband.

So, when you talk about change, uncertainty and pivoting, I know these topics intimately and based on what I learned from operating in these, I figured I got some key tips to share,” she said.

The author said that she decided to write a book on Workplace Anxiety: How to Refuel and Re-Engage because she works with global companies to achieve their goals.

“In every organisation, people are stressed and dealing with the anxiety arising from the volatility, uncertainty, and complexity of work today.

I have two beliefs that underpin the work that I do to create work environments where employees thrive [which are] work does not have to make you miserable and you have to mentally, physically and emotionally be ready to lead.

This book is my answer to how these beliefs can shape our thinking and influence our behaviour at work,” she said.

Layne-Gartside’s book has been bought by companies to reward their top employees. She said that the book can be a help for many of the stressful issues that staff members may encounter when running an organisation.

“Some companies buy it to reward their top performers of the year. Other companies buy it to give to their high potentials and leaders who need to find opportunities for growth in the midst of a pandemic.

“They want their leaders to be able to produce their best under pressure.

The book is about how you as an individual and leader can deal with the anxiety and stress that come your way. How to refuel and re-engage at work so that you produce your best,” she said.

Moreover, she added that the book also is a step-by-step guide for employees who may be coping with stressful situations at work.

“[The book] is designed to help you deal with stressful issues, so as you are dealing with an issue, pick up the book and read the chapter on it.

If you are trying to push a project or initiative to completion, but it is being stalled, there is a chapter on how to get through the messy middle. If you are feeling angry and under attack, there is a chapter on how to deal with this emotion productively.

If you feel like you are being slowly choked by the bureaucracy of your company, there is a chapter on how to navigate bureaucracies successfully. Or if there is so much uncertainty right now, you are unsure of what to do, there is a chapter on that as well.

She indicated that she was planning on writing another book on the issue of workplace anxiety and how to handle transitions in the workplace.

“Yes, I have plans of writing another book on this issue, but it will be on how to handle change and transitions in the workplace.

The uncertainty, ambiguity and change in the work environment today calls for you to be adaptable and build the social and emotional skills to thrive. My second book is to show you how to get comfortable doing this,” she said.

(WriteRight PR Services)