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How do we recognise anxiety at work, and what helps?

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Last updated 10 November 2026

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In short

Anxiety often looks like over-preparing, worrying about mistakes, not delegating or checking messages all the time, so it is easy to mistake for hard work. Make expectations clear, cut unnecessary urgency and make it normal to say “I’m finding this hard”.

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health conditions, but at work it often goes unnoticed. People who are anxious may look like high performers from the outside.

What to do

  1. Know the early signs Constant worry about performance or mistakes, difficulty concentrating despite effort, physical tension or tiredness, and avoiding certain tasks or conversations.
  2. Make expectations clear Agree priorities and deadlines, and say what good enough looks like. Uncertainty adds to anxiety.
  3. Cut unnecessary urgency Not every request needs an answer today. Say when something can wait.
  4. Ask privately and listen For example: “You seem to be carrying a lot at the moment. How are you finding things?” Acknowledge what they say without judging it.
  5. Help them reach support Mention your EAP or a doctor, and offer to help them make contact.
  6. Make it normal to ask for help When leaders say openly that they find some things hard, staff find it easier to do the same.

Watch out for

  • Telling someone to “just relax” or “stop overthinking” does not help, and can make them less likely to raise it again.
  • Do not assume someone is fine because their work is good. People with anxiety often keep performing well until they cannot.

Discover more

CourseFoundational Psychological First AidFully funded for 2 places per organisation while places lastSee dates and fees on Wayfinder →CourseEmotional Regulation and Mental Agility at WorkDates to be confirmedRegister interest on Wayfinder →CourseKnow the SignsLaunching 2027Find out more on Wayfinder →

Kaleidoscope Labs manages the Network and provides some of these courses and workshops for a fee.

Read more

ArticleThe Quiet Epidemic: Understanding Anxiety in Singapore’s WorkplacesRelated questionWhat do I do when a colleague is struggling?Related questionAn employee is coming back after mental health-related leave. How do we plan their return?

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See all questions. This is general guidance, not legal or clinical advice. Can’t find your answer? Email hello@wellbeingchampions.sg.