A quiet day at the office (including the home office!) can be a relaxing experience for many employees—a chance to catch one’s breath and step out of the fast lane for a change. But for some workers, anything less than peak performance can actually lead to feelings of stress and anxiety.
Mental Health Concerns on the Rise
Workplace mental health concerns are on the rise. Recent research shows that nearly 80% of employees report “productivity anxiety”—the feeling that there is always more they could or should be doing.
For some employees, a quiet day at work—a moment to catch your breath, sip a coffee uninterrupted, and tackle the tasks on your to-do list without constant interruptions—represents a chance to reset and recharge. But for others, these calm moments can bring on feelings of stress, self-doubt, and an overwhelming sense of falling short.
Productivity Anxiety
This phenomenon, often referred to as productivity anxiety, is becoming increasingly common in workplaces across industries. A recent study reveals that nearly 80% of employees experience this feeling. And while deadlines are often thought of as stressors, the same research shows that meeting deadlines is actually what many employees associate with having a “good day” at work (68%), while making mistakes is the top marker of a “bad day” (49%).
The High Costs of Productivity Anxiety
For employees struggling with productivity anxiety, a quiet day at the office can feel like a trap. Without the external pressures of looming deadlines or fast-paced meetings, they may turn their focus inward, worrying that they aren’t doing enough or aren’t “earning” their downtime.
These thoughts can snowball into feelings of inadequacy or even guilt, making a potentially restorative day a source of stress instead.
This growing mental health concern doesn’t just affect individual employees—it has broader implications for workplace culture and productivity. Chronic productivity anxiety can lead to burnout, decreased job satisfaction, and even turnover. It also creates a workplace dynamic where busyness is valued over meaningful contributions, eroding long-term morale and creativity.
How Managers Can Help
Leaders play a critical role in addressing the negative impacts of productivity anxiety. First, start by fostering a culture that values outcomes over busyness. Encourage employees to take breaks without guilt, and model that behavior yourself. Openly discuss mental health and create safe spaces for employees to share concerns.
Finally, redefine what a “good day” looks like—celebrate thoughtful, impactful work, not just packed schedules. Quiet days can and should be viewed as a gift, not a source of stress.
Lin Grensing-Pophal is a Contributing Editor at HR Daily Advisor.
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