Anger at work is usually caused by employee's dissatisfaction with managers and supervisors, or just out of disagreements with co-workers over certain issues. In extreme cases, it can be caused by customers themselves, i.e. for those who are always in direct contact with customers. Whatever is the cause, anger leads to poor job performance as employees tend to lose their focus if they are always angry.

You can avoid being angry at work by practicing some of the following:

COMMUNICATE. If you are not happy about a process or situation or policy, speak to your supervisor about it. In most cases, lack of communication is what escalates anger at work. Speaking out might help some situations get corrected and thus reduce your chances of continuously being angry. Sometimes, some anger is cause by people not understanding each other well. Ask for clarification if you are not sure.

KEEP AN OPEN MIND and avoid jumping into conclusions. Someone might say something because of what they are going through at the moment. They could be stressed over an issue or just having a bad day. Others could just be joking about stuff. Do not immediately judge your co-worker or boss based on that negative statement he/she just made. First check to make sure there was no other influence behind. Especially in the mornings, some people tend to have those outbursts that don't go well with those around them. You could be having such people around your office, so pay attention to such moments.

DON'T PAY ATTENTION TO OFFICE GOSSIP. Office gossip is one of the major causes of anger at work. Don't believe everything you hear. In most work places, you will find people who are constantly creating disharmony between co-workers. Some may be aware they are doing so, while others may not. Your best remedy is not to listen to rumors and everything else that is considered gossip.

MAINTAIN POSITIVE ATTITUDE AND A GREAT SENSE OF HUMOR. Even when some things are not going right, you don't want to come out as the one who is always negative. So, try to focus on the positive. Also, a great sense of humor goes a long way in avoiding anger. A few necessary jokes with your co-workers will help everyone enjoy their day at work, thus eliminating the chances of being angry at each other.

STAY FOCUSED ON YOUR ASSIGNMENT and not what goes on around your office area. You are at work to do your job and go home and not to correct everything that is not right. So why waste your energy and effort on issues that don't concern you? As long as it is not undermining your performance, leave it alone.

DON'T TAKE YOUR HOME ISSUES TO WORK. If there is something going on with you at home, just leave it there. Do not mix these two environments into one brain. You will be more confused and in some cases get angry for no reason because of your domestic issues preoccupying your mind. If you are mad at your spouse, why put it out on your co-worker? They have nothing to do with it.

AVOID CONTROVERSAL ARGUMENTS AND TOPICS, especially if they are not related to your job. You might agree with your teammates on every procedure and process in accomplishing your company's goals, but you may not necessarily be on the same page when it comes to issues such as religion, politics and other social beliefs. It is best to keep these away from your work because disagreements over such issues usually lead to anger and threaten to break up even the most harmonious teams.

REMAIN CALM. Being dissatisfied about a situation does not warrant that you should raise your voice. In fact, keeping your cool will do you better and help you contain your anger. In other words, try as much as you can to take it easy.

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