Workplace stress can affect anyone, yet it often goes unnoticed. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), long-term work-related stress can lead to serious health issues, such as increased blood pressure, heart rate and respiration. Over time, this can contribute to hypertension, heart attacks, and strokes. As such, it’s essential to recognize the signs of workplace stress—not just for your well-being, but also for your coworkers.
We spoke with Dr. Adeola Adelayo, a psychiatrist at Banner Behavioral Health Hospital, to gain insight into the common causes of workplace stress, the warning signs and what you can do to support a stressed-out colleague.
What are the common signs of workplace stress?
Stress manifests differently for everyone, both physically and emotionally. Some coworkers may become more withdrawn or quiet, while others may appear irritable or short-tempered. Noticing any of these changes in a typically engaged coworker could be a red flag that stress is taking its toll.
Dr. Adelayo explained, “One of the biggest signs of workplace stress is disengagement. If a coworker is suddenly quiet during meetings or less involved with the team, this could indicate they are feeling overwhelmed.”
The difference between working hard and overextending yourself
It’s common to feel passionate about your work. When you enjoy what you do, it can be easy to push yourself to achieve more. However, knowing when you’ve crossed the line from working hard to overextending yourself is essential for maintaining your mental and physical health.
According to Dr. Adelayo, “If a person’s personality changes due to their workload, that’s a clear sign they are overworked. A healthy work ethic is consistent with a person’s usual behavior. If they’re showing signs like lethargy, disengagement, frequent absenteeism, reduced productivity and an increase in illness, they may be overextended.”
How to address a stressed-out coworker
Recognizing stress in others is the first step; the next step is offering support. Dr. Adelayo suggested a simple, compassionate approach: “The most important thing you can do is talk to them. A gentle, non-judgmental approach, like saying ‘I noticed you’ve seemed quiet in meetings lately. Is everything okay?’ can open the door to conversation.”
Many workplaces offer wellness programs that include access to therapy sessions or employee assistance programs. If your coworker is open to it, encourage them to take advantage of these resources. However, if the stress is affecting their work performance and they are unwilling to seek help, it may be time to involve a supervisor or HR representative.
Dr. Adelayo advised, “If their behavior is negatively impacting the workplace and they are resistant to support, it’s important to escalate the situation. Involving HR or a leadership figure can ensure that the issue is addressed appropriately.”
When should you seek professional help?
Stress is a natural part of life, but it shouldn’t take a toll on your well-being. If you or a coworker is struggling with work-related stress, it’s essential to seek professional help. A mental health specialist can help assess the situation and create a personalized treatment plan.
At Banner Health, we provide access to a range of mental health services to help individuals manage stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges. If you or someone you know is experiencing high levels of stress, reach out to a Banner behavioral health expert to learn more about treatment options and support services available.
Recommended reading
- When Should You Call in Sick at Work? A Guide for In-Person and Remote Workers
- Urgency Culture: Feeling Like You Need to Do Everything Right Away
- Rust-Out and Burnout: Steps You Can Take to Overcome Them at Work
Content in this article was updated on January 3, 2025.
