Workplace stress is becoming a more prominent issue for employees and employers alike, and there is no silver bullet when it comes to resolving it. Mental Health UK’s Burnout Report 2024 found that 9 in 10 adults experienced high or extreme levels of pressure or stress in the past year – with one in five needing to take time off work to cope.

One concerning approach to handling workplace stress is fostering “toxic positivity”. This is where leaders, eager to promote a positive culture, overlook the real stress and burnout their employees are experiencing, which dismisses or invalidates their employees’ emotions. Most leaders, with the best intentions, want to motivate their teams and maintain morale, particularly during tough times. However, pushing relentless positivity can discourage open dialogue about stress, exhaustion, or personal struggles. Encouraging employees to “keep their chin up” and “put on a happy face,” can create an........

© Herald Scotland