Keywords

anxiety, motivation, preparation, self-regulation, workplace

Abstract

As anxiety in the workplace continues to affect a substantial percentage of employees, an understanding of the facilitative aspects of anxiety may become increasingly relevant (American Psychological Association, 2009, as cited in Cheng & McCarthy, 2018). Anxiety in the workplace is generally disadvantageous, but significant evidence supports the idea that anxiety may benefit employees in various ways (Chandra et al., 2020). Notably, anxious feelings may spark increased motivation within employees, unlocking a greater focus on future goals (Spielberger, 1985, as cited in Cheng & McCarthy, 2018). In pursuit of these goals, anxious employees may find a greater capacity for self-regulation, a focused mindset where self-control and task engagement can crowd out impulse and distraction (Prem et al., 2016). Anxious employees in a self-regulatory state may create more thorough plans, which allow them to eliminate future stress by making tangible progress towards their goals (Norem, 2007). These positive effects of anxiety can elevate anxious employees’ potential in a meaningful way. Thus, employees should seek to become familiar with these positive effects and how they can be magnified in the workplace.

Document Type

Class Project or Paper

Publication Date

2023-05-08

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Psychology

University Standing at Time of Publication

Sophomore

Course

Psych 307

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Included in

Psychology Commons

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