The hidden cost of stress in the workplace

Stress can have a significant impact on both mental health and workplace productivity. The prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for higher-order thinking, helps regulate important cognitive functions such as decision making, attention, self-control, organization, and behavioural regulation. When stress levels become too high, the brain’s ability to effectively manage these functions can become compromised. While moderate levels of stress or arousal can sometimes enhance focus and performance, chronic or excessive stress can impair cognitive functioning and make everyday workplace demands more difficult to manage.

Stress also triggers the release of hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which prepare the body to respond to perceived threats. Although this response can be helpful in short-term situations, prolonged exposure to stress can negatively affect concentration, memory, and emotional regulation. Individuals experiencing chronic stress may become more forgetful, disorganized, impulsive, or have difficulty concentrating and making decisions. These changes can influence workplace productivity by increasing the likelihood of errors, reducing efficiency, and making it more challenging to manage complex tasks or multitask effectively.

High levels of stress can also affect workplace behaviour and interpersonal relationships. Chronic stress may reduce empathy, impair communication, and weaken self-regulation. Over time, stress can shift the brain away from thoughtful, intentional decision making toward more automatic or habitual behaviours. In workplace settings, this may appear as increased frustration, reactive behaviour, difficulty collaborating with others, or challenges adapting to change and problem solving under pressure.

 

Emerging research from the University of Calgary also highlights how mental overload and constant task switching can impact workplace performance. In a recent study published in Nature Human Behaviour, researchers led by Dr. Yiwen Jin, PhD, from the Haskayne School of Business examined what they describe as the “switch tax”,  the cognitive cost of constantly shifting between different types of tasks. 

The study found that frequent task switching can reduce efficiency, increase errors, and place additional strain on cognitive functioning, even among highly experienced professionals. These findings reinforce the growing understanding that chronic stress, mental fatigue, and constant interruptions can negatively affect focus, decision making, communication, and overall workplace well-being. 

Importantly, stress affects everyone differently, and both men and women can experience significant impacts on cognitive functioning and mental health. Supporting mental well-being in the workplace is therefore essential not only for individual health, but also for maintaining healthy teams, strong communication, and sustained productivity. Encouraging open conversations about stress and creating supportive workplace environments can help reduce the negative effects of chronic stress while improving overall workplace wellness and performance.

 

If you are experiencing ongoing stress or struggling with your mental well-being, support and resources are available. The Mental Health Initiative for Stress and Trauma (MIST) at the Hotchkiss Brain Institute recommends evidence based tools and resources to help individuals better understand stress, assess their current mental well-being, and access supports when needed. Learn more and explore available resources here.

For information on mental health services within the Calgary Zone, please contact Access Mental Health: 403.943.1500 or contact the Suicide, Mental Health or Substance Use Crisis Helpline at 988.