Managing Stress & Anxiety in the Workplace
As a psychologist, Oliver Mills-Edward sees how stress and anxiety can shape not only individual wellbeing but also the culture and productivity of entire organisations. While our performance is generally at its peak with moderate to high levels of stress, chronic stress and unmanaged anxiety often lead to burnout, disengagement, and absenteeism. A key piece in this picture is the role of negative self-talk, and how shifting these internal thought patterns can make a meaningful difference both personally and professionally.
Anxiety & Negative Self-Talk
Anxiety isn’t just a racing heart or tense muscles; it’s often sustained by our inner dialogue. When thoughts like “What if I’m not good enough?,” “What if I fail?,” or “What if they’re judging me?” are treated as threats, negative self-talk fuels a loop: anxiety rises, self-criticism intensifies, and anxiety intensifies. Over time, everyday tasks start to feel overwhelming and confidence erodes.
Stress in the Workplace
“Workplaces can either break the anxiety cycle or reinforce it. When people feel overextended, undervalued or unsupported, stress climbs and negative self-talk hardens. Organisations that address stress create conditions where people thrive.”
Practical workplace strategies include:
Encouraging open and supportive conversations about stress and mental health
Setting realistic workloads, expectations and deadlines
Promoting self-care, breaks and flexible work
Providing access to wellbeing resources, workshops, and professional support
The Benefits of Managing Stress and Anxiety
When organisations take stress seriously, the benefits go far beyond individual wellbeing:
Higher productivity – Employees with healthier stress levels are more focused, creative and motivated
Lower absenteeism – Fewer stress-related days off
Greater engagement – Teams are more collaborative and supportive when individuals feel valued
Culture strengthens – Workplaces that normalise mental health conversations build trust, resilience, and positivity
Supporting a Shift from Negative Self-Talk
Help employees break the stress-anxiety loop with:
Awareness: notice unhelpful thought patterns as they arise
Reframing: replacing harsh self-criticism with more balanced, constructive perspectives
Self-compassion: treating oneself with kindness in moments of difficulty
Strength-based approaches: highlight skills, wins, and progress
Stress-reduction: Using mindfulness, breathing exercises, or physical activity to reduce the intensity of anxious thoughts
Managing stress and anxiety isn’t just about avoiding burnout. It’s about creating environments where people feel safe and supported. When organisations address the link between anxiety and negative self-talk, people think more constructively, work more productively, and engage more positively.
A workplace that prioritises mental health sends a clear message: people matter. When employees are supported to manage stress and shift unhelpful thinking, both individuals and organisations benefit.
Help your team shift negative self-talk.
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