How to recognise stress in the workplace and what to do about it

Workplace stress is more than just a tough day or a busy week - it can chip away at your health, your mood, and your sense of balance over time.

In this article, we’ll look at:

1. Why workplace stress deserves more attention

2. The signs of stress in everyday life

3. Why high performance often hides stress

4. How to tell if it’s safe to speak up at work

5. Practical ways to communicate your needs

6. Taking care of yourself inside and outside work

Why workplace stress deserves more attention

Many of us have normalised a certain level of stress at work. A few back-to-back meetings here, a deadline there - it’s just part of working life, right?

But when the pressure becomes constant, the impact builds up. Stress that once felt motivating can start to feel draining. You may notice yourself working late only to keep up, struggling to switch off, or wondering if you’re just not coping as well as others.

But chronic stress isn’t about lacking resilience. It’s usually a sign that the environment isn’t set up to support wellbeing - whether that’s high demands, poor communication, or leadership that doesn’t leave space for real feedback.

🗂️ For many women, workplace stress isn’t just about the job itself. It’s about the clash between work and the “invisible” responsibilities at home - caregiving, emotional labour, health needs. When workplaces ignore their reality, stress starts building up.

How stress shows up in everyday life

Stress rarely arrives dramatically, it creeps in over time. Some signs to look out for:

• Feeling more tired than usual, even after a full night’s sleep

• Mental fog, restlessness, or trouble focusing

• Feeling emotionally flat, irritable, or less patient

• Losing interest in things you used to enjoy

• Always feeling behind, no matter how hard you try

• Physical tension (like a clenched jaw or tight shoulders)

• Digestive issues, headaches, or disrupted sleep

  
  

💡 Stress can feel isolating if your workplace doesn’t make space to talk about it. You’re not the only one, many others are carrying it quietly too.

The pressure to keep performing

One of the hardest things about workplace stress is that it can stay invisible. If you’re still delivering results, nobody may notice what it’s costing you. Inside, though, it might feel like you’re constantly racing with no time to breathe.

Left unchecked, this chronic pressure can lead to burnout, anxiety, and even hormonal imbalances. It’s not just “being tired”, it’s losing the sense of connection and purpose that makes work meaningful.

❗️Stress isn’t proof you can’t handle your job. It’s often proof your environment isn’t giving you what you need to thrive.

Is your workplace safe to speak up in?

Before deciding how to address stress, ask yourself: does your company actually make space for conversations about wellbeing? Is your manager approachable about these topics? Or have past attempts been brushed aside?

Not every environment is safe - and recognising that is important. If speaking openly feels risky, you may want to seek support outside your team first.

Finding ways to speak up at work

If your stress is affecting your health or quality of life, talking about it can help. Here are some ideas on how to start:

• Get clear on what feels unsustainable. Is it workload, pace, unclear expectations? What would help - more structure, flexibility, or better prioritisation?

• Frame it around shared goals. For example: “I want to deliver high quality work, but I’ve been feeling stretched. Could we look at priorities or adjust timelines?”

These conversations don’t have to be confrontational. Collaboration is often more effective, and if you’re a leader yourself, being open about your own needs sets a powerful example.

Taking care of yourself

Stress is about the big picture - every single aspect of your life - not only your job. Think about:

• Is emotional and domestic labour at home fairly shared?

• Do you have guilt-free time for yourself to rest, reflect, or recharge?

• Are there small daily rituals that remind your body and mind you’re safe?

Practical supports might include:

• Short walks or stretches during the day

• Mindfulness or meditation after intense interactions

• Prioritising consistent, good-quality sleep

• Eating balanced, steady meals to support energy and blood sugar

• Spending time outdoors or offline, even briefly

• Talking with a mentor, friend, or Flouria advisor about what’s weighing on you

  
  

🧡 Self-care isn’t indulgent. Sometimes it’s just ten minutes that belong only to you, and that’s enough to remind your nervous system you’re safe.

Final thoughts

Workplace stress doesn’t have to be the price of success. By noticing how it shows up, talking honestly about what’s sustainable, and creating space to recharge, we can push for a healthier culture - one where performance and wellbeing go hand in hand.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed right now, know this: you’re not weak, and you’re not alone. The way we work impacts our health, and you deserve support and balance in your day.

Key takeaways

• Stress isn’t a personal failing - it often reflects systems that don’t support wellbeing.

• Signs include fatigue, tension, mood changes, and difficulty focusing.

• Speaking up at work is easier when you frame concerns around shared goals.

• Self-care can be small, everyday actions that help your nervous system reset.

• Work and life both matter: balance needs attention in both spheres.

References:

Awada, M., Becerik-Gerber, B., Lucas, G. M., & Roll, S. C. (2024). Stress appraisal in the workplace and its associations with productivity and mood: Insights from a multimodal machine learning analysis. PLOS ONE, 19(1), e0296468–e0296468. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0296468

Bui, T., Zackula, R., Dugan, K., & Ablah, E. (2021). Workplace Stress and Productivity: A Cross-Sectional Study. Kansas Journal of Medicine, 14(1), 42–45. https://doi.org/10.17161/kjm.vol1413424

de Oliveira, C., Saka, M., Bone, L., & Jacobs, R. (2022). The Role of Mental Health on Workplace productivity: A Critical Review of the Literature. Applied Health Economics and Health Policy, 21(2), 167–193. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40258-022-00761-w

Mariotti, A. (2015). The effects of chronic stress on health: new insights into the molecular mechanisms of brain–body communication. Future Science OA, 1(3). https://doi.org/10.4155/fso.15.21

Maulik, P. K. (2017). Workplace stress: A neglected aspect of mental health wellbeing. The Indian Journal of Medical Research, 146(4), 441–444. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijmr.IJMR_1298_17