Stress is pervasive in nature but does not always have a bad connotation. Research says a little stress is good to keep you on your toes, keeping you alert. Good stress, known as eustress, motivates us to take action, increases our focus, and helps improve our work performance. However, stress can sneak up beyond limits in subtle ways without us noticing. It could be because you have a tendency to overwork, or have ever-increasing demands both at work and at home. It might leave us surprised that the water (stress) has surpassed the limits, from being helpful to being detrimental.

According to a 2020 research paper published in the journal Science, 7 out of 10 Indians experience stress at work every week which is more than the average of sixty per cent in the Asia-Pacific.

The data was collected as part of ADP’s Global Workforce View 2020 report exploring employees’ attitudes and opinions towards the current world of work.

It's easy to overlook the warning signs of stress.  We often tend to glorify busyness and an overworking culture. We equate it with productivity and success, but at what cost? The constant pressure to perform at a high level can take a toll on both our physical and mental health. We may dismiss feelings of fatigue, irritability, and burnout as simply part of the job, failing to realise that they're symptoms of chronic stress.

The insidious nature of stress means it can affect every aspect of our lives, not just our work. Relationships, hobbies, and personal well-being can all suffer when stress goes unchecked. It's like a silent intruder, gradually infiltrating every corner of our lives until it becomes impossible to ignore.
To prevent stress from escalating into a crisis, we need to know the signs of stress at work and address them.

 

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Warning Signs of Stress at Work 

• Social Withdrawal 
• Anxiety
• Sleeping disorders
• Apathy 
• Fatigue
• Muscle Tension 
• Headaches
• Digestive problems 
• Strained relationship
• Changes in appetite 
• Emotional instability 
• Trouble concentrating

 

Related story: 5 Ways To Relax Yourself In A Stressful Situation

 

5 Ways Stress at Work Impacts You

Feeling Older than Your Actual Age

There is a massive increase in the amount of stress younger adults are experiencing now, when compared to the amount of stress previous generations experienced when they were young. This is primarily because of the work environment we all are part of. The ever-rising competition and growing demands have made it difficult for individuals to grow at their own pace and this eventually leads to chronic stress.

According to a 2024 study by North Carolina State University,  younger adults look and feel older on stressful days. They also feel they have relatively less control over their own lives and if the same continues for long, in no time it can be a host of negative health outcomes.

 

Burnout and Fatigue 

It might surprise you that it is not the extra hours that are straining your body, but the mental strain and stress that could be the reason. Burnout and fatigue could be because of the stress that is snugly building up without us being aware of the same.

According to a 2021 study titled ‘Future of Work’ by Accenture, out of 9000 global workers, productive people report as much or more burnout, fatigue, and frustration as compared to others. The study reveals organisational resources such as supportive leadership makes employees remain satisfied and productive.

 

Related story: De-stress In Four Minutes With Box Breathing

 

Cardiovascular Issues 

We all are well acquainted with the fact that chronic stress leads to cardiovascular problems. But the knowledge and acknowledgment aren’t enough and this growing concern needs to be addressed. As per the research, introducing flexibility can tame the numbers and help curb the rising numbers.

In a 2023 study by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, increasing workplace flexibility may lower employees' risk of cardiovascular disease. The study also states that when stressful workplace conditions were mitigated, there was a reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease among more vulnerable employees. Also, this was achieved without any negative impact on their productivity or work performance.

 

Premature Immune Ageing

According to a 2022 study published in Science Daily, researchers from the University of Southern California conducted a survey on 5,744 adults over the age of 50.

Their blood samples were analysed and it was found that participants with higher stress scores had older-seeming immune profiles, with lower rates of white blood cells. 

Additionally, if stress speeds up how our immune system ages, it's not just about personal health. It could affect how we manage healthcare for everyone. We might need to focus more on ways to handle stress better, like programs to help people cope and make healthier lifestyle choices.

 

Related story: How To Stress Less, Live Long, And Be Healthy

 

Sleep Disorders 

It is quite common among many of us that we fail to get a good night’s sleep if something is bothering us or when we're worried about something, and work stress is often at the top of the list.

According to a 2023 study published by the University of Tsukuba, poor work performance among Japanese employees is strongly associated with insufficient sleep. This proves that work-related stress hampers our lifestyle too in a long way.

When sleep is disrupted by work-related stress, it doesn't just affect our productivity on the job. It can also have ripple effects on our overall health and well-being. Chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to a host of health issues, including weakened immune function, mood disturbances, and increased risk of chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes. 

 

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Recognising the warning signs of stress and taking proactive steps to manage it is crucial for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Employers can support their employees by promoting flexibility, providing resources for stress management, and fostering a positive work environment. Additionally, individuals can prioritise self-care, seek support when needed, and practise relaxation techniques to mitigate the effects of workplace stress.