Understand the three types of stress progressions
From your own leadership experience, you might already know that stress progressions can develop in various ways. Perhaps from your employees or even from yourself? Here, you'll gain insight into the three most common types of stress progressions according to research.
The sudden onset stress progression
Some individuals experience a complete inability to function, a constant desire to cry, or describe it as a sort of breakdown. It comes as a big surprise to both colleagues, the manager, and the person themselves - no one saw it coming.
The employee is not aware of the problem and simply does not recognize the symptoms. Therefore, the employee has not discussed it with anyone along the way, neither the manager nor colleagues.
The employee denies the symptoms or feelings because they are shameful, incompatible with their self-perception, and/or because they cannot handle the potential consequences of taking sick leave.
The employee perceives that the workplace culture does not allow for addressing stress, and that it's defined as a sign of weakness. As a result, they will do everything possible to avoid being categorized in that way.
The gradual onset stress progression
For some employees, stress symptoms creep in slowly. Initially, the employee tries to work their way out of the situation.
The manager or colleagues might not be contacted because the employee might be unsure whether it's their own lack of competence that's the issue. Thoughts like 'I should be able to handle this,' 'Is something wrong with me?' and 'Why am I reacting this way?' typically occupy the employee's mind.
However, it can also involve the leader-employee relationship. For example, if the employee doesn't feel comfortable approaching the manager, they might not seek help in dealing with the challenges.
Signs of this type of stress reaction typically include a gradual decline in the employee's energy, mood, and engagement in the team over time. Alternatively, the employee might start forgetting appointments, not completing tasks on time, making mistakes, taking longer to complete tasks, working overtime, becoming irritable, and perhaps experiencing increased absenteeism.
The escalated stress progression
This progression is characterized by the fact that the employee can quickly and precisely identify specific work conditions as the cause of the problem.
There is no hesitation about what is wrong, and the employee doesn't doubt whether there is something wrong with them.
In this progression, the employee often has conversations with the manager about the issue that haven't led to action. The problem becomes more and more acute, and the employee feels like they are struggling in vain. Anger and frustration start to take up more space.
Signs of this stress progression can include the employee frequently approaching you with issues they perceive as burdensome. There might be frustration and impatience, or the employee might appear sad and resigned in their attitude and communication.
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