What are signs of chronic workplace stress?
Written by
David Nelson
Reviewed by
Prof. William Dalton, Ph.D.Chronic workplace stress appears as ongoing signals that many employees ignore until they reach a crisis. These physical, emotional, and behavioral changes typically develop slowly over several weeks or months. I have counseled professionals who ignored early fatigue patterns and dismissed them as mere fatigue until the restaurant was destroyed. Recognizing these early patterns averts disastrous results.
Symptoms in the body frequently precede any kind of mental realization. Chronic fatigue persists despite inadequate sleep. Mysterious headaches or digestive troubles develop as usual. Muscle tension creates a sense of all-encompassing and exhilarating. There is a decline in bodily resistance forces, resulting in frequent illnesses. These are the distress signals from the body demanding relief.
Cognitive Indicators
- Difficulty concentrating on routine tasks
- Memory lapses affecting work quality
- Indecisiveness with simple choices
- Mental fog during afternoon hours
Emotional Signals
- Increased irritability during normal interactions
- Pervasive cynicism about work value
- Emotional numbness or detachment
- Heightened anxiety about minor issues
Behavioral Changes
- Withdrawal from team activities
- Increased absenteeism patterns
- Substance use changes
- Neglected personal appearance
Quality of work is a measurable indicator of chronic stress. Work quality noticeably declines over several weeks. There are frequent missed deadlines. Error rates increase on tasks that are previously familiar. I know a project manager who discovered that his reports contained unusual errors. These indicators occur before a formal diagnosis of burnout.
Be on the lookout for these patterns starting today. Keep track of your energy level and irritability every week. Notice if you have physical discomfort during your work hours. Early awareness allows for interventions before they escalate into health problems. To be well, you must notice these signals early.
Read the full article: Effective Stress Management at Work Techniques
