Busyness, not a badge of honour: The downsides of stress bragging
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Talking about a heavy workload may seem like casual water-cooler conversation. But making a habit of it and repeatedly declaring how knee-deep one is in work can have an adverse effect.?
Calling it “stress bragging” or “busy bragging,” recent research by the University of Georgia Terry College of Business suggests that this behaviour can make professionals come across as less competent and less likeable to co-workers. The surveyed participants also shared that they were less likely to help a colleague who displays such behaviour.
In addition to creating “the perception that chronic high-stress levels are an expected and normal part of work culture,” constantly talking about stress can spill over to others, lead author Jessica Rodel says.?
But being busy isn’t the same as being productive. And professionals shouldn’t wear their packed schedules as a badge of honour, PeopleStrong’s CEO Sandeep Chaudhary says.
So, how to identify signs of stress bragging, and what are the related consequences, particularly given the spike in stress levels at work??
In this edition of the Get Hired newsletter, we dig deeper into this subject with expert insights.
As a bee
“Hard work is not a solve-all tool and stress isn’t a competition,” says Abhishek Singh, a student at University of Delhi.
While stress bragging may be a new term, he doesn’t think the concept is.?
Chaudhary is also of the same opinion. The changing dynamics of workplaces and the rise of social media has paved the way for these terms. But stress doesn’t imply dedication towards work, he shares.?
Mental wellness facilitator Dr. Sheetal Rayathatha defines stress bragging as “...a practice of boasting about how busy or stressed one is, often as a way to signal one’s importance, dedication, or productivity.”?
According to her, such behaviour is more prevalent in environments where being busy is seen as a mark of success. Highlighting the role of social media, she adds that busy schedules are often displayed to gain admiration and validation. Competition also plays a part. “Individuals try to outdo each other by showcasing how much they have on their plates,” she adds.?
Singh believes the behaviour prioritises input over output and signifies inefficiency with reference to time management and delegation.
And there are downsides.
Stretched thin
The practice may highlight deeper, more systematic issues, shares Singh. “Stress bragging is usually used to soften negative social perceptions. While it might be hiding incompetence, it can also be a cry for help.”
In addition to factors like likeability, competence levels, and the urge to help, as mentioned by the study, Chaudhary thinks it also lowers morale, impedes collaboration, and can also lead to a co-worker’s burnout.?
“Stress bragging encourages a lifestyle that neglects health,” says Rayathatha. It glorifies long work hours, dampens the benefits of taking breaks, and leads to poor work-life balance. And trying to match up with others’ perceived productivity levels can lead to prolonged stress, making it worse for those already combating burnout.?
Around 86% of employees surveyed in India feel they are struggling or suffering at work, The Economic Times reports, citing a Gallup report. Also, 35% of those surveyed admitted to feeling angry on a daily basis.
“Constantly talking about stress can make unhealthy levels of stress seem normal, leading to anxiety, depression, and other health issues,” says Rayathatha.?
In addition to creating a toxic work culture that pushes employees to work beyond their limits, it can also undermine the feelings of those seriously struggling with burnout, making their problems seem less important. These professionals may hesitate to ask for help and may approach the problem alone, she adds.?
Solution? A workplace that values balance and employee well-being is key to overcoming this occurrence.?
Another report by the same publication suggests that companies like Adobe, NatWest, Meesho, Simpl, and Hero Vired are addressing this issue by offering options like flexibility, added time off, no-questions-asked leave, and well-being days.
The pandemic gave rise to efforts on the part of companies to understand work-life balance, prioritise well-being, and provide necessary benefits. Chaudhary thinks an empathetic approach needs to be applied to keep stress bragging from undermining these efforts, sending mixed messages about company values, discouraging open dialogue, and creating stigma around seeking help.
Take a hint
Navigating a hustle culture in the battle for productivity, Singh also found himself guilty of stress bragging. It took him time to understand that the practice was different from complaining and there weren’t any upsides.??
So, how do you identify the signs and correct actions??
Constantly bringing up stress during conversations, posting updates on social media about long working hours and tight deadlines, comparing stress levels between people, taking pride in having overworked or clocked in late hours are some actions to watch out for, Rayathatha suggests.?
Another indication? When a professional displays signs of chronic fatigue and irritability, neglects personal life and self-care, and uses these as talking points to showcase their dedication towards work, she adds.
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Picture of health
There are ways professionals can prioritise mental well-being and address stress-related issues without having to come across as a bragger. And managers and companies can aid this process.
“As a leader, I meet up with my direct reports every Monday morning to discuss priorities, set important projects around growth and customer happiness in motion, and bring clarity,” Chaudhary says. He suggests demonstrating a healthy approach, like open communication, towards stress management if you are in a leadership position.?
Conducting employee assistance programmes and placing emphasis on feedback, collaboration, accountability, and ownership are some ways human resource professionals can address the issue, he adds.?
The experts suggest the following tips for professionals:?
? Lean into time-management efforts and focus on tasks based on priorities.?
?? Take regular breaks to keep your mind refreshed.?
?? Keep your workspace tidy and organised.
?? Follow a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and your choice of exercise.??
?? Express your feelings and share concerns with your support system. If you feel so, consider taking professional advice from a therapist.?
?? Learn to say no and set boundaries.??
?? Adopt a solution-oriented mindset.
?? Avoid comparisons.
?? Be empathetic towards yourself and others.
?? Managers need to be vigilant about the stress-bragging culture within their team, Unacademy’s Vaishnavi A B shares in this post.
?? Bragging about stress can cascade through your team, says psychologist Lucyna Milanowska. Read her post to learn how.
From prioritising workload to emotional self-regulation, and managing overwhelming experiences — this LinkedIn Learning course by behavioural strategist Shadé Zahrai highlights ways to maintain a good work-life balance.?
This is the 35th edition of the biweekly newsletter from Get Hired by LinkedIn News India. Each issue aims to provide insights on everything jobs-related, combined with expert views and member voices.?
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By Dipal Desai — LinkedIn Editor covering jobs and career development in India
Associate Community Manager: Neha Upalekar
Qualified Independent Director | ESG Practitioner | PMP?
6 个月Lead by Example: Managers and leaders can model healthy behavior by not engaging in stress bragging themselves. They should also openly discuss the importance of work-life balance and mental health.
Corporate & International Tax | Valuation - SFA | Foreign Exchange Regulations
9 个月Wanting to be more respected in the work place by bragging about stress of work isn't good for long term well being.
Holistic Counselor, Managerial Advisor.
9 个月Very informative. Hmm... get an idea of how disorganized present workforce lifestyle is.
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9 个月Very helpful!
TELECOM BSS/OSS, E-COMMERCE Products/Solutions | VISIONARY QA Delivery LEADERSHIP for Complex programs to Production | Proven PEOPLE LEADER, Coach| Built Offshore Teams from scratch.
9 个月Workload in a positive environment (culture, managers, policies, work environment, good team etc.,) will not create burnout or too much stress. it is manageable and also sometimes it helps. However, if the work environment is loaded with cultural issues, autocratic leadership, immature managers, unhealthy relations due to unnecessary politics, misaligned goals, no respect & recognition to employees, busyness bragging by Leaders/Managers etc., create unnecessary stress and burnout to employees (instead the workload itself). At Low level, it is due to incompetence At mid-Level, it is due to poor planning and underutilisation of resources At Top-level, it is due to failure of delegation, mistrust, fear of failure, failing to listen from employees etc., If Leaders fail to create a good positive and cohesive and conductive positive work environment, the turnout will he high and stress levels also will be very high, and it impacts the productivity for sure.