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In a recent study conducted by the University of Georgia Terry College of Business, researchers have shed light on the detrimental effects of stress bragging in the workplace.

Lead author Jessica Rodell, a professor of management at UGA's Terry College of Business, emphasized the widespread nature of this behavior and its potential consequences.

"This is a behavior we've all seen, and we all might be guilty of at some point," Rodell noted, as per Phys.org. "When I was wondering about why people do this, I thought maybe we are talking about our stress because we want to prove we're good enough. We found out that often backfires."

The study, published in the journal Personnel Psychology, surveyed 360 participants who evaluated statements from hypothetical co-workers returning from a conference. Participants rated the likability, competence, and willingness to help of these imaginary colleagues.

Those who engaged in stress-bragging, describing their overwhelming stress levels, were consistently rated as less likable and competent compared to their counterparts who discussed stress in a more neutral manner.

"People are harming themselves by doing this thing they think is going to make them look better to their colleagues," Rodell said.

Furthermore, an additional survey of 218 real-life employees corroborated these findings, revealing that individuals with co-workers who frequently stress bragged reported higher levels of personal stress and burnout. Rodell highlighted the dangerous precedent set by stress bragging, perpetuating the notion that chronic high-stress levels are normal and even desirable in the workplace.

"When somebody is constantly talking about and bragging about their stress, it makes it seem like it is a good thing to be stressed," Rodell explained.

"It just spills over onto the co-worker next to them. They wind up feeling more stressed, which leads to higher burnout or withdrawal from their work. Think of it as this spiraling contagious effect from one person to the next."

Rodell emphasized the importance of distinguishing between discussing stress in passing versus boasting about it. While acknowledging stress can be a legitimate concern, she cautioned against treating it as a badge of honor. Instead, she advocated for employees to seek appropriate channels for discussing stress, such as confiding in a trusted confidant.

"If you genuinely feel stressed, 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.

Rodell also pointed out the role of managers in recognizing and addressing stress bragging behavior. Stress bragging not only harms the individual engaging in it but also contributes to a toxic work environment, leading to potential repercussions for the entire workplace.