We spend at least a third of our day at work, making it an important aspect of our lives. Deriving satisfaction from work and feeling comfortable at work is very important to our overall well-being. It’s common to face new challenges at work or feel stressed about your job, but you should be aware of symptoms that indicate workplace anxiety. (Also read: What is phone phobia? There is a sign here)
According to experts, anxiety in the workplace is real and many people experience irrational stress and worry about their performance at work which can interfere with their quality of life and affect their productivity. I am. Employees who are unable to adjust to workplace pressures can become tired, exhausted, and even lead to burnout.
“Workplace anxiety is a pervasive and often underappreciated mental health concern that affects individuals across a variety of industries and roles. “It refers to the mental distress and anxiety experienced by employees. The form of anxiety can have a significant impact on an individual’s overall well-being and productivity,” said Manasthari Founder, Director and Senior Spirit. Physician Dr. Jyoti Kapur said in an interview with HT Digital.
Workplace anxiety, also known as work-related anxiety or job anxiety, is a specific type of anxiety disorder characterized by excessive worry, fear, or stress related to a job or work environment. It can manifest in different ways and can be caused by a variety of work-related factors, such as workload, job insecurity, interpersonal conflicts, and performance expectations.
Common symptoms of workplace anxiety include::
1. Excessive worry
People with workplace anxiety often experience persistent, irrational worries about their job performance, job security, or relationships at work. This worry can be all-consuming and interfere with your ability to focus on work.
2. Physical symptoms
Anxiety can manifest physically, causing symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, gastrointestinal problems, increased heart rate, and sweating. These physical symptoms can be unpleasant and distracting.
3. Decreased concentration
Anxiety at work can make it difficult to concentrate on work and make decisions. Employees can easily become distracted, forgetful, or overwhelmed by even small work-related issues.
4. Procrastination
Anxiety can lead to procrastination or avoidance of work because you fear failure or criticism. This avoidance can increase work-related stress and create a feeling of being overwhelmed.
5. Sleep disorders
Anxiety often disrupts sleep patterns, leading to insomnia and sleepless nights. Lack of sleep can further exacerbate workplace anxiety and affect your overall health.
6. Hikikomori
Employees with workplace anxiety may avoid social interactions at work for fear of judgment or criticism. This withdrawal can impact team dynamics and collaboration.
7. Perfectionism
A strong desire for perfectionism can be a symptom of workplace anxiety. Individuals may set unrealistically high standards for themselves, resulting in increased stress and dissatisfaction with their performance.
8. Physical and mental fatigue
Constantly battling anxiety can lead to physical and emotional exhaustion. Employees can feel exhausted, fatigued, and emotionally drained, which can hinder their ability to effectively deal with workplace challenges.
9. Decreased job satisfaction
Persistent anxiety at work can undermine job satisfaction and overall quality of life. If left unaddressed, it can even lead to burnout.