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Anxiety at Work

summary ofAnxiety at WorkBook by Adrian Gostick, Chester Elton

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You’ll learn

  • Why unchecked anxiety can spiral into depression
  • How leadership shapes a healthy work environment
  • The potential pitfalls of perfectionism
  • The difference between worry, stress, and anxiety

first KEY POINT

If left unchecked, anxiety can lead to depression and other mental health conditions

Anxiety is a persistent, intense, and overpowering fear and dread about certain occurrences, and it results in workplace errors, agitation, and general unwellness. Unfortunately, it is a significant issue that many of today’s employees and employers must deal with.People sometimes think that worry, stress, and anxiety describe the same thing, but they have different meanings, even when used together. Worry is a mental process that includes a lot of repetitive, nagging thoughts. It's usually focused on a specific thing, like the fear of losing your job or wondering if you'll get sick. People feel stress when things change, and the body reacts physically, mentally, or emotionally. Finally, anxiety affects both the body and mind, and it can become a mental disorder in severe cases.Employee anxiety is prevalent in companies, resulting in a rise in workplace concerns since nervous individuals are less likely to be motivated or confident in their abilities at work.

Whether anxiety comes from the growing discontent at workplace practices or the mind, one thing is certain: it should not be taken with levity.

This summary explains the need to pay more attention to people and their behavior and the importance of prioritizing our welfare. In the subsequent chapters, you'll find out more on the seven pressing issues (overwhelming workloads, peer-to-peer learning, perfectionism, discourse, exclusion, and marginalization) that mostly cause anxiety in workplaces and the strategies to help any organization tackle them successfully.

second KEY POINT

Creating a healthy environment requires a conscious effort by leaders to prioritize workers' welfare

Despite their prevalence, employees rarely discuss their workplace worries. People with anxiety are often encouraged to hide it, which often results in depression and leads to what is known as The Duck Syndrome.The term Duck Syndrome was first used at Stanford University to describe how hardworking students appear to be doing fine, floating around like a duck on water and keeping up with all their work with effortless elegance. But when you peek underneath the surface, you'll find that those effortlessly moving ducks are paddling furiously, just like these students are.Take Chloe, for instance. She got a decent career after high school, and her manager saw potential in her because she was hardworking and often smiled. But behind the smile was a young woman who wondered why she had to go the extra mile. Her coworkers had better schooling, wonderful internships, and ample time to vacation and party. But this was not the case for Chloe, who soon became overwhelmed. Afraid she was suffering from anxiety, she confided in her employer, who dismissed it and assured her that it was normal to feel overwhelmed. But Chloe couldn't take it anymore; she simply stopped going to work and never returned to inform anyone.

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first KEY POINT

Modern workplaces generate many uncertainties, and the biggest of all is employment longevity

second KEY POINT

Repeatedly expecting more work in less time leads to employee irritation, resentment, and burnout

third KEY POINT

Anxiety plagues perfectionists

fourth KEY POINT

Exclusion and marginalization have a strong influence on how employees value themselves in workplaces

fifth KEY POINT

Conclusion

About the author

Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton are well known for their expertise in organizational culture, leadership, and team management. Their work is dedicated to enhancing workplace dynamics and employee satisfaction.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the main focus of Anxiety at Work: 8 Strategies to Help Teams Build Resilience, Handle Uncertainty, and Get Stuff Done?

Anxiety at Work, authored by Dr. Paul White and Dr. Tracy Brower, focuses on equipping teams with effective strategies to manage workplace anxiety, build resilience, and improve productivity during uncertain times.

What are the key takeaways from Anxiety at Work: 8 Strategies to Help Teams Build Resilience, Handle Uncertainty, and Get Stuff Done?

Key takeaways include practical strategies for fostering communication, enhancing team support, and encouraging a culture of resilience to better equip members to handle stress and achieve goals.

Is Anxiety at Work: 8 Strategies to Help Teams Build Resilience, Handle Uncertainty, and Get Stuff Done worth reading?

Yes, this book is worth reading for anyone seeking to improve team dynamics and productivity, offering actionable insights that help alleviate anxiety in the workplace.

How many pages is Anxiety at Work: 8 Strategies to Help Teams Build Resilience, Handle Uncertainty, and Get Stuff Done and when was it published?

Anxiety at Work contains approximately 200 pages and was published in 2021, making it a concise read for those interested in enhancing workplace wellbeing.

Who are the authors of Anxiety at Work: 8 Strategies to Help Teams Build Resilience, Handle Uncertainty, and Get Stuff Done?

The book is authored by Dr. Paul White and Dr. Tracy Brower, both of whom bring their expertise in organizational psychology and leadership to address workplace anxiety.