#BazaarAtWork: Stress bragging: The office status symbol nobody asked for

Every morning, millions wake up to an inbox full of demands, a calendar crowded with meetings, and a lingering sense of dread over the day’s impossibly long to-do list. Yet, in a twisted, ironic turn, we wear this chaos like a badge of honour. We brag about how little sleep we’ve had, how many projects are piling up, and how we’re “too busy” to even take a breath. It’s as if the more overwhelmed we are, the more valuable we seem. Stress, once a silent affliction, has morphed into a public display of success—and it’s slowly suffocating us. But when did suffering become synonymous with achievement? And more importantly, when did we start applauding it?

The stress economy

Stress, an affliction known to humanity for centuries, has undergone a profound transformation in the last decade. Rather than being something to avoid, it has become something to flaunt, especially in high-pressure environments such as technology, finance, and creative spaces. In these fields, being overwhelmed is no longer an exception—it’s the new standard. Companies demand it. Social media amplifies it. And individuals take pride in it.

Shivam Dixit, co-founder and CEO of Counsel India, a practical psychology learning platform, puts this into perspective, “We've all seen captions like 'Only two hours of sleep but sealed the deal!' What was once considered a warning sign has now become a badge of success—an indication of ambition, importance, and determination. But this mindset isn't sustainable; it's a tricky path we're choosing to walk. It’s a paradox: we boast about being busy as a symbol of success, but underneath this bravado, we are sacrificing our health and wellness.”

The currency of exhaustion: Stress bragging as a modern status symbol

Sociologist Sangeeta Johri sheds light on the growing trend of “stress bragging”, a behaviour tied to the modern obsession with constant productivity. According to her, stress bragging serves as a form of social signalling where people flaunt their exhaustion as a symbol of worth. The widespread belief that being busy is synonymous with success while downtime is equated with laziness only strengthens this mindset. Johri observes, “This trend reflects capitalist values, where one’s value is measured by their output and ability to remain constantly productive.”

However, Johri points out that stress bragging is not solely an individual choice—it’s a product of larger societal forces. The gig economy, unstable job markets, and blurred work-life lines have turned overworking into a survival tactic for many. Social media exacerbates this, turning constant busyness into a performative act that pressures others to keep up, leading to increased burnout, anxiety, and feelings of inadequacy.

Johri further warns that this trend carries broader social implications: “By glorifying stress, we deepen existing inequalities. Those who are unable to participate in this cycle—due to factors like family challenges or health issues—are made to feel marginalised.”

The pitfalls of stress bragging in the workplace

A recent study in Personnel Psychology delves into the concept of “stress bragging” in the workplace—when employees boast about their stress levels being too high. While it might seem counterintuitive, this behaviour has real consequences for both individuals and their colleagues.

Researchers Jessica B. Rodell, Braydon C. Shanklin, and Emma L. Frank found that employees who brag about being stressed are often seen negatively by their peers. In their study, these individuals were considered less competent and less warm, which led to a decline in the help and support they received from co-workers. Alarmingly, the study revealed a phenomenon called “stress crossover” where the stress of one employee spreads, contributing to burnout in others.

Dr Tanvi Mankodi, Assistant Professor and Leadership Studies Lead at SP Jain Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai, outlines the detrimental effects of normalising stress as a badge of honour:

Toxic work culture: Treating stress as a symbol of success creates a harmful environment where exhaustion is mistaken for competence.

Burnout cycle: By idolising stress, the real impact of burnout is overlooked, fostering unhealthy competition and neglecting the importance of rest.

Harmful team dynamics: Stress boasting breeds rivalry, not collaboration, damaging teamwork and shared problem-solving.

Stigma around self-care: In high-pressure cultures, focusing on well-being is often seen as a weakness, making employees hesitant to seek support.

Decreased productivity: Ironically, emphasising stress reduces productivity, as fatigue diminishes focus, creativity, and innovation.

Leadership disconnect: Leaders who elevate stress as a success marker set a poor example, reinforcing the neglect of work-life balance and employee well-being.

Eroding organisational health: A culture that rewards stress risks high turnover, mental health issues, and disengagement, ultimately damaging both individual well-being and organisational performance.

How to combat stress bragging in the workplace

Dr Charan Teja Koganti, a consultant psychiatrist at KIMS Hospital in Hyderabad, offers guidance on combating stress bragging. He suggests fostering self-awareness in daily interactions. “Ask yourself whether your conversations are focused on stress or solutions,” he advises. “Reframe the narrative by celebrating achievements or expressing gratitude, rather than dramatizing challenges. Setting healthy boundaries is crucial to avoid overcommitting. Remember, true productivity doesn’t require broadcasting your workload. Presenting yourself as composed and balanced enhances your credibility and contributes to a healthier workplace culture.”

When dealing with a stress bragger, Dr Koganti emphasises the importance of empathy and tact. “Listening without judgment can help determine if the person seeks genuine support or just validation,” he notes. Redirecting the conversation towards solutions or neutral topics can help diffuse the competitive nature of the discussion.

Lead image: Pexels

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