Navigating High-Functioning Anxiety in the Workplace
In today's fast-paced work environment, anxiety has become a common issue that affects many employees. High-functioning anxiety is an anxiety disorder that often goes unrecognized because it doesn't significantly impair an individual's ability to function. However, it can still significantly impact an employee's work performance, job satisfaction, and overall well-being. In this blog post, we'll explore how high-functioning anxiety manifests at work and how employers can support employees with this condition.
What High-Functioning Anxiety Looks Like
Difficulty Saying No
Employees with high-functioning anxiety often have difficulty saying no to additional work or projects, even when they don't have the capacity to take them on. This behavior may stem from a fear of disappointing others, being perceived as lazy, or missing out on opportunities. If the company culture encourages overwork, overtly or subtly, or disrespects boundaries, workers with high-functioning anxiety can be at even greater risk of burnout.
Excessive Need for Reassurance
An employee with high-functioning anxiety may ask excessive questions and check in with their manager far more frequently than expected or desired to ensure they're meeting expectations. They may seek reassurance that they are doing their job well, even when performing at a high level. This behavior may stem from a fear of making mistakes, being perceived as incompetent, or losing their job.
Avoiding Asking for Help
Imposter syndrome is a common issue that people with high-functioning anxiety struggle with. They may feel they don't know what they're doing and can't ask questions or ask for help because others will see them as fraud. This behavior can be problematic because it can lead to mistakes or errors that could have been avoided if the employee had asked for help.
Excessive Time Spent on Tasks
High-functioning anxiety can manifest in perfectionism, leading employees to spend an inordinate amount of time on tasks. They may feel that they must get everything right or that any mistake will reflect poorly on them. This behavior can be problematic because it can lead to missed deadlines, excessive stress, and burnout.
Procrastination
For some workers, high-functioning anxiety manifests in procrastination rather than spending too much time on tasks. The employee might get so anxious about not getting an assignment perfect that they delay getting started and end up turning in work late or submitting work that could've been better if they'd devoted more time to it.
Not Taking Time Off
People with high-functioning anxiety may struggle with work-life balance. They may worry that taking paid time off looks bad, they won't be able to catch up when they get back, or they'll miss out on something important while they're gone. This behavior can be problematic because it can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and poor mental health.
Difficulty Accepting Praise
Perfectionism can show up as self-criticism in employees with high-functioning anxiety. They can be hard on themselves and feel uncomfortable accepting compliments. For example, when their manager tells them they did amazing work on a project, they may insist that it was "just OK" or dwell on small missteps. This behavior can be problematic because it can decrease confidence, motivation, and job satisfaction.
What Employers Can Do To Help
Employers have a crucial role in supporting employees with high-functioning anxiety. By implementing specific strategies and creating a supportive work environment, employers can help alleviate anxiety symptoms and promote overall well-being among their workforce. Here are some effective strategies employers can use:
Promote Awareness and Education
To raise awareness about mental health issues like high-functioning anxiety, employers can initiate various educational initiatives aimed at both employees and managers. Here are some effective strategies for promoting awareness:
Workshops and Training Sessions: Organizing workshops and training sessions focused on mental health awareness can be highly beneficial. These sessions can cover topics such as understanding different mental health conditions, recognizing signs and symptoms of anxiety, and providing guidance on how to support colleagues or employees who may be struggling.
Informational Materials: Providing informational materials, such as pamphlets, brochures, or online resources, can serve as valuable educational tools. These materials can include information about high-functioning anxiety, its symptoms, common triggers, and available resources for support and treatment.
Guest Speakers and Experts: Inviting guest speakers or mental health experts to address employees and managers can offer unique insights and perspectives on mental health issues. Guest speakers can share personal experiences, provide practical tips for managing anxiety, and offer guidance on seeking help and support.
Online Webinars or Learning Modules: Offering online webinars or learning modules on mental health topics can reach a wider audience and accommodate employees' varying schedules. These virtual sessions can cover a range of topics related to mental health, including high-functioning anxiety, stress management techniques, and self-care strategies.
Peer Support Groups: Establishing peer support groups within the workplace can create a supportive environment for employees to discuss mental health challenges openly. Peer support groups can provide a safe space for employees to share experiences, seek advice, and offer encouragement to one another.
Regular Communication: Employers can incorporate mental health awareness messages into regular communication channels, such as company newsletters, intranet platforms, or internal emails. Regularly sharing information about mental health resources, upcoming events, and available support services can keep mental health awareness at the forefront of employees' minds.
Manager Training: Providing specialized training for managers on how to recognize signs of high-functioning anxiety and effectively support employees can be invaluable. Manager training sessions can focus on building empathy, active listening skills, and strategies for creating a supportive work environment conducive to mental well-being.
By implementing these educational initiatives, employers can foster a workplace culture that prioritizes mental health awareness, reduces stigma surrounding anxiety, and encourages early intervention and support for employees experiencing high-functioning anxiety. This proactive approach not only promotes employee well-being but also contributes to a more supportive and inclusive work environment overall.
Create A Supportive Work Environment
Employers play a crucial role in creating a work environment that supports employees with high-functioning anxiety. One way they can do this is by promoting open communication and encouraging employees to ask for help when needed. This can involve fostering a culture where employees feel comfortable discussing their mental health concerns with their managers or HR professionals without fear of judgment or reprisal.
Additionally, employers can prioritize work-life balance by implementing policies that support self-care. This can include offering flexible work hours that allow employees to adjust their schedules to better accommodate their needs. Flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting or compressed workweeks, can provide employees with more control over their time and help reduce stress and anxiety.
Paid time off (PTO) is another valuable policy that employers can implement to support employees' mental health. By providing adequate PTO, employers give employees the opportunity to take time off when they need to recharge and prioritize their well-being. This can include taking vacations, mental health days, or sick leave without worrying about losing income or facing negative repercussions.
Furthermore, employers can introduce mental health days as part of their leave policies to specifically address the needs of employees dealing with mental health issues like anxiety. Mental health days allow employees to take time off to focus on their mental well-being without the stigma associated with traditional sick leave.
By creating a work environment that values open communication, work-life balance, and self-care, employers can support employees with high-functioning anxiety and contribute to their overall well-being and job satisfaction. These policies not only benefit employees but also promote a positive workplace culture that values mental health and fosters employee retention and productivity.
Provide Resources
Employers can provide a range of resources to support employees with high-functioning anxiety, with access to mental health services being one of the most crucial. This can include offering an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that provides confidential counseling services for employees dealing with various mental health issues, including anxiety. EAPs often offer short-term counseling sessions, referrals to mental health professionals, and resources for managing stress and anxiety.
In addition to EAPs, employers can also offer health insurance plans that cover mental health services, including therapy and medication management. By ensuring that mental health services are covered by insurance, employers make it more accessible and affordable for employees to seek professional help when needed.
Employers can also implement workplace wellness programs that focus on mental health and provide resources and support for employees struggling with anxiety. These programs may include workshops or seminars on stress management, mindfulness meditation sessions, or initiatives promoting work-life balance.
Furthermore, employers can train managers and HR professionals to recognize the signs of high-functioning anxiety and provide guidance on how to support employees effectively. This may include education on creating a supportive work environment, fostering open communication, and offering flexibility when needed.
Overall, providing access to mental health services is essential for supporting employees with high-functioning anxiety and promoting their well-being in the workplace. By offering resources and support, employers can create a more inclusive and supportive work environment where employees feel valued, understood, and empowered to manage their anxiety effectively.
Conclusion
In conclusion, high-functioning anxiety can manifest in various ways in the workplace, affecting employees' productivity, well-being, and job satisfaction. From difficulty saying no to excessive self-criticism and procrastination, the impact of high-functioning anxiety on employees' work performance and mental health should not be underestimated.
Employers have a crucial role to play in supporting employees with high-functioning anxiety. By creating a supportive work environment that values open communication, encourages asking for help, and promotes work-life balance, employers can help alleviate some of the challenges faced by employees with high-functioning anxiety. Additionally, providing resources such as access to mental health services can further support employees in managing their anxiety and maintaining their overall well-being.
Ultimately, addressing high-functioning anxiety in the workplace requires a collaborative effort between employees and employers. By recognizing the signs and symptoms of high-functioning anxiety and implementing strategies to support affected employees, workplaces can become more inclusive, supportive, and conducive to positive mental health outcomes for all employees.
