By Dr Juman Iqbal, Assistant Professor, Dept of Management, Paari School of Business
Rakesh, a dedicated food delivery worker in Hyderabad, spent three long weeks rushing his wife to hospitals, desperately seeking a diagnosis for her worsening pain. As a “gold” level Swiggy gig worker, his hard work—over 100 orders weekly during 14-hour shifts—had earned him and his family health insurance coverage. But when he had to miss work to care for his wife, his ranking dropped to “silver,” stripping them of the very insurance they needed most. Urgent surgery was required, costing ₹1,20,000 ($1,440)—a sum far beyond their reach without the coverage they had just lost.
This is just one of the many harrowing tales emerging from today’s workplaces, where employees are caught in the grip of toxic work environments. On September 25, BBC headlines flashed news of an Indian employee’s death, igniting a national conversation about toxic work culture. Just weeks later, on October 10, another headline hit: “Two cars hit Zomato rider in Delhi, company asks him to explain delay in delivering order.” These stories highlight the stress faced by workers across industries, whether it’s the pressure to meet unrealistic expectations, silent layoffs, workplace violence among frontline employees or the relentless grind in gig economies. Today’s workplaces are increasingly becoming breeding grounds for stress, as companies prioritize productivity over people, and workers like Rakesh are left to suffer the consequences.
The Ripple Effect: Consequences of Unchecked Workplace Stress
Workplace stress is a complex phenomenon that reflects the changes in an individual’s physical and mental well-being in response to challenging or threatening work conditions. According to Collingon and Higgins, various factors contribute to this stress, including a toxic work environment, excessive workloads, feelings of isolation, irregular working hours, role conflict, and ambiguity. Additional culprits include limited autonomy, barriers to career advancement, difficult relationships with supervisors or colleagues, managerial bullying, harassment, and the overall organizational climate. When these stressors persist, employees can face a heightened risk of developing physical and psychological issues, leading to increased absenteeism, organizational dysfunction, and a significant drop in productivity. However, it’s important to note that not all stress is inherently negative. Psychologists distinguish between Eustress, or good stress, which can drive us to meet deadlines and achieve our goals, and Distress, the harmful kind that can lead to burnout, persistent anxiety, and a range of physical ailments. The dual nature of stress highlights a crucial point: while a certain level of stress can motivate us and propel us forward, too much stress can have detrimental effects. Research has shown that excessive workplace stress can negatively impact job satisfaction, commitment, proactivity, creativity, innovation, and overall employee agility. In fact, one of the key factors behind the Great Resignation of 2021 was the overwhelming workplace stress that many employees experienced. As individuals reevaluated their priorities and sought more fulfilling work environments, it became clear that organizations must take workplace stress seriously.
Emotional Intelligence: more important than ever
In our fast-paced world, the conversation around workplace wellness has reached a crescendo. Countless articles and studies advocate for organizations to cultivate a culture of wellness, urging managers to step back from micromanaging and embrace practices like stress management programs, yoga sessions, and flexible work hours. While these strategies are undeniably important, I recently encountered a profound quote attributed to Rumi (RA) that resonates deeply with me: “Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.”
This quote encapsulates a vital truth for our times: the most significant change often begins within us. In an era where uncertainty looms and external circumstances can feel overwhelming, the development of emotional intelligence (EI) emerges as an essential skill. We may not have the power to control every situation we encounter, but we do have the ability to shape our approach to life and work. While exploring Daniel Goleman’s insightful book on emotional intelligence, I was struck by the transformative power of high EI. It can lead to better decision-making, improved relationships, enhanced job performance, and greater mental well-being. By nurturing our emotional intelligence, we can learn to navigate the complexities of our emotions and those of others, fostering an environment of empathy and understanding. In this journey of self-discovery, we realize that the path to change begins with us. As we cultivate our emotional intelligence, we not only enrich our own lives but also contribute to a more compassionate and resilient workplace. Let us embrace this opportunity for growth and transformation, recognizing that the change we seek in the world often starts with the choices we make within ourselves
The Way Forward: Shifting from Burnout to Balance
In the current times, the weight of stress can often feel overwhelming. Yet, there’s a powerful antidote that can transform this landscape: supportive leadership. Imagine a workplace where leaders embody the essence of transformational and servant leadership, nurturing a culture where employees feel valued, understood, and empowered.
Consider the insights of McGregor Burns, who articulated the four characteristics of transformational leadership: idealized influence, intellectual stimulation, inspirational motivation, and individualized consideration. These traits are not just abstract concepts; they are the threads that weave a tapestry of support and resilience. When leaders model idealized influence, they become beacons of integrity and trust, guiding their teams through challenging times. By fostering intellectual stimulation, they create an environment where creativity flourishes, and every idea is valued. Think about a scenario where an employee is grappling with a daunting project deadline. A transformational leader steps in, offering not just guidance but genuine encouragement. “I believe in you,” they say, infusing the employee with confidence and a sense of purpose. In that moment, the weight of stress begins to lift, replaced by a renewed determination to succeed.
Then we have the essence of servant leadership, as articulated by Robert Greenleaf. This approach emphasizes characteristics such as compassion, empathy, active listening, and stewardship. Picture a leader who not only listens but truly hears their team’s concerns. They take the time to understand the personal challenges their employees face, showing that they genuinely care. This compassionate approach cultivates a sense of belonging, allowing employees to thrive in a supportive environment.
In the face of adversity, knowing that someone is there to lend a hand can make all the difference. When leaders embody these traits, they create a safe space where employees can express their struggles without fear of judgment. This fosters a culture of openness, enabling individuals to seek help and support when needed. In these times of uncertainty and change, the role of leadership has become tenfold more important. It is a call to action for leaders to step up and embrace their influence in shaping a healthy workforce climate. By prioritizing supportive leadership, we not only combat stress but also cultivate a thriving workplace where everyone can flourish.
Conclusion
The growing concern of workplace stress has become increasingly evident through stories like that of Rakesh, a dedicated food delivery worker whose family faced dire financial challenges due to his need to care for his sick wife. This narrative reflects a broader issue in today’s workplaces, where toxic environments, excessive workloads, and unrealistic expectations lead to significant mental and physical health problems. While some stress can motivate, excessive workplace stress negatively impacts job satisfaction, creativity, and employee retention, as seen during the Great Resignation of 2021. To combat this pervasive issue, the development of EI has emerged as a crucial skill for both individuals and organizations. Leaders who embody transformational and servant leadership traits, such as empathy, active listening, and support, can create a culture where employees feel valued and understood. By prioritizing supportive leadership and fostering emotional intelligence, organizations can transform their work environments into spaces of resilience and compassion, ultimately shifting from burnout to balance.
