New research from the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business suggests that employees who constantly talk about stress may be hurting their workplace reputation.
The study found that bragging—portraying oneself as overwhelmed and overworked—makes colleagues view the bragger as less competent and likable.
Stress-Bragging Backfires in the Workplace
The study by Professor Jessica Rodell examined how employees perceive co-workers who frequently discuss their levels. In an initial survey of 360 participants, researchers presented them with statements from imaginary co-workers returning from a conference.
One group read about a colleague who complained about being stressed, saying: “Just one more thing on my full plate. And I was already stressed to the max … you have no idea the stress that I am under.”
Another group read neutral or positive statements about the conference. Participants then rated their likability, competence, and willingness to help them at work.
The results were precise: The stress-bragging co-worker was rated significantly lower in competence and likability than others. Participants also reported being less likely to help that co-worker if they were overwhelmed.
“People are harming themselves by doing this thing they think is going to make them look better to their colleagues,” Rodell said.
Complaints Can Spread to Others
To test these findings in real workplaces, the researchers surveyed an additional 218 employees about their experiences with stress-bragging co-workers. Again, employees who frequently boasted about it were perceived negatively.
However, the study also found that it doesn’t just affect the person doing it—it impacts the entire workplace.
Employees frequently exposed to bragging reported feeling more of it, leading to increased burnout and workplace withdrawal.
“When somebody is constantly talking about and bragging about it, it makes it seem like it is a good thing to be stressed,” Rodell said. “It just spills over onto the co-worker next to them. They wind up feeling more, which leads to higher burnout or withdrawal from their work. Think of it as this spiraling contagious effect from one person to the next.”
The Right Way to Talk About Workplace Stress
Interestingly, the study found that simply being perceived as it wasn’t a problem—in fact, employees seen as stressed but not actively bragging about it were often rated as more competent.
Rodell’s advice? Employees should be mindful of how they talk about it.
“If you genuinely feel it, it’s OK to find the right confidant to share with and talk about it,” she said. “But be mindful that it is not a badge of honor to be bragged about—that will backfire.”
For managers, recognizing it in the workplace is critical. What might seem like harmless venting can create a toxic cycle of burnout and negativity. Addressing it through a positive workplace culture and support systems may be a better long-term solution than simply working longer hours and wearing it like an achievement.
Reference: Jessica B. Rodell, Braydon C. Shanklin, Emma L. Frank. “I’m so stressed!”: The relational consequences of stress bragging. Personnel Psychology, 2024.
