In the workplace, people inevitably experience job stress and may occasionally vent about it. However, a study in the United States has found that boasting about the extent of one’s stress can make you appear incompetent and less liked by colleagues. If you have this habit, it’s best to make a change quickly.
Regarding this behavior of stress bragging, Professor Jessica Rodell from the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business stated, “We have all seen this behavior, and at times, we may even feel guilty about it.”
She explained that individuals may engage in stress bragging to prove their capabilities, but their research discovered that this behavior has adverse effects.
In a study led by Rodell, researchers asked 360 participants to evaluate statements made by imaginary colleagues in terms of their abilities, likability, and likelihood of helping coworkers at work.
One of the imaginary colleagues described a just-finished meeting as “adding another task to my workload” and emphasized, “I have endured the greatest pressure… you have no idea how much stress I am under.”
Participants perceived this individual as less likable and less competent compared to those who either talked about high work stress or praised the meeting. They also indicated that if someone complains excessively about their workload, they are less likely to help that individual.
Rodell pointed out that individuals believe stress bragging can make them look better in front of colleagues, but in reality, it harms themselves.
In a separate investigation involving 218 real-life employees, researchers found similar outcomes when dealing with colleagues who like to boast about their stress levels.
Rodell explained that stress bragging can convey the message that enduring high stress levels is an expected and normal part of work culture. When someone frequently boasts about their stress, it can create the impression that high stress is a desirable attribute.
She emphasized that frequent stress bragging can lead to increased personal stress, fatigue, and a contagious impact on other coworkers.
She stated, “The more you are around people who stress brag, the more stress you may feel yourself.”
Rodell advised individuals to think twice before boasting about excessive workloads or stress levels. If you genuinely feel stressed, it’s better to share and discuss your feelings with trusted individuals rather than bragging, which could backfire.
She also highlighted the importance of managers recognizing this behavior, as it can have broader implications in the workplace.
According to psychologist Lauren Appio, practicing in New York and New Jersey, stress bragging is a way for individuals to indirectly express their needs. People may hope to draw attention to their situation without explicitly stating it.
However, indirect communication of this nature often provokes irritation, as others tend to get upset due to the lack of directness. Appio suggested that instead of engaging in passive-aggressive stress bragging, it’s more effective to directly express your feelings, such as saying, “I’m finding it hard to cope; I really need to adjust my workload.”
It’s important to note that when you are feeling stressed, chances are your colleagues may be experiencing similar feelings. Therefore, remember to check on your coworkers and engage in open communication to offer support.
Rodell concluded from the study, “We should be careful not to overly indulge individuals who stress brag, as we may start to feel a portion of that stress over time.”