Stress bragging at work makes you less likable according to a new study.
Despite the progress made in acknowledging mental health, a troubling trend persists—many women continue to wear stress as a badge of honor. Societal norms and workplace culture often glorify stress as a testament to a person’s dedication and success. For women, this pressure is even more pronounced. There’s an unspoken expectation to excel professionally and manage household responsibilities and caregiving duties. This dual burden contributes to a culture where it’s a sign that one is working hard enough to meet these unrealistic standards.
Stress bragging has negative consequences for women in the workplace. It usually leads to burnout, decreased job satisfaction and a higher turnover rate. When stress is valorized, it discourages women from seeking help or taking the necessary steps to manage their well-being. This culture also perpetuates gender inequality, as men are less likely to face the exact expectations and pressures.
It often manifests in casual conversations within the workplace or even during social interactions. For example, imagine a manager constantly boasting during meetings, saying things like, “I’ve been working 80-hour weeks to get this project done,” or “I barely have time to sleep with all these deadlines.” These statements, rather than garnering respect or admiration, can backfire by making the manager appear overwhelmed and less efficient. Such remarks potentially create a toxic environment where overwork is normalized and well-being is compromised.
Stress is a multifaceted phenomenon; research specifically explores it as the mental condition where an individual’s demands supersede their abilities. It’s a significant issue to face. According to the American Psychological Association’s 2023 Work in America Survey, 77% of contributors reported experiencing job-induced stress in the recent month. For 57% of them, this resulted in an array of detrimental effects, encompassing emotional burnout (31%), decreased productivity (20%), and a sense of ineffectiveness (18%).
A recent study by Jessica Rodell, a professor of management at the University of Georgia Terry College of Business, reveals that individuals who constantly boast about their stress levels are perceived as less proficient and less appealing by their colleagues.
The research involved a scenario where a colleague was describing a conference as “just another addition to my already overloaded schedule. I am under an unimaginable amount of stress.” The results showed that such a colleague was perceived as considerably less likable and competent when compared to someone who spoke of work stress or praised the conference. Furthermore, participants were less inclined to assist such a colleague if they were swamped with work.
As for women, they must recognize that they don’t need to wear stress as a badge of honor to prove their worth. Instead, they can project confidence and competence by focusing on their achievements and contributions. By setting boundaries and practicing self-care, women can demonstrate that balancing work and mental health is possible.
Effective leadership involves delegating tasks, prioritizing work and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. By modeling these behaviors, women leaders can inspire their teams to do the same, creating a more supportive and productive work environment.
The more boundaries we can set for ourselves, the less stress we take on, which helps with our ... [+]
The Impact On Mental Health And Productivity
Chronic stress is linked to anxiety, depression and other mental health disorders. When women feel compelled to constantly prove their dedication through stress, they are more likely to neglect self-care and avoid seeking help when needed.
Stress doesn’t just affect mental health; it can also take a toll on physical well-being. Prolonged stress can lead to issues such as heart disease, hypertension and weakened immune function. By valuing stress, women may inadvertently jeopardize their long-term health.
Contrary to popular belief, stress does not enhance productivity. In fact, it often has the opposite effect. High stress levels can impair cognitive function, reduce creativity, and increase the likelihood of errors. Wearing stress as a badge of honor can lead to decreased efficiency and lower overall productivity in the workplace.
Breaking The Cycle
Recognizing The Pressure
The first step in breaking the cycle is recognizing the pressure to wear stress as a badge of honor. By acknowledging these pressures, you can begin to challenge and change them.
Addressing The Issue
Addressing the issue involves both individual and collective efforts. On a broader scale, organizations must implement policies prioritizing mental health and well-being, such as flexible work hours, mental health days and access to counseling services.
Overcoming The Pressure
Overcoming the pressure to wear stress as a badge of honor requires a cultural shift. Women must advocate for themselves and others, promoting a workplace culture that values well-being over constant stress. This can involve open discussions about mental health, sharing personal experiences and supporting initiatives that encourage work-life balance.
By recognizing and addressing this issue, women can break the cycle and promote a healthier, more balanced approach to work.
