Manager's green Teams status causing workplace anxiety? Employee shares 3 ways to overcome fear

A corporate professional has sparked discussion on social media after describing a common form of workplace anxiety in which employees become anxious the moment their manager appears online. In an Instagram video, Avik Roy explained how seeing his manager's Microsoft Teams status turn green would immediately put him in a "hyper-alert mode" and shared the strategies that helped him overcome the fear.

'I would go into a hyper-alert mode'
Roy recalled that during the early years of his corporate career, he would instantly assume that his manager's online presence meant a flood of messages requiring immediate responses.


He said the anxiety became so overwhelming that he even felt guilty about stepping away from his desk for a coffee break. Over time, he realised he had conditioned himself to believe that his manager coming online meant he was about to be questioned or judged.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Avik Roy (@cubicle_talks_with_avik)

Three changes that helped reduce workplace anxiety

Roy said he gradually overcame the anxiety by making three key changes.

First, he stopped judging his professional worth by the speed of his replies and instead focused on the quality and outcomes of his work.

Second, he began sharing proactive updates with his manager before being asked, saying this helped build trust and reduced the need for frequent follow-ups.

Third, he advised employees not to assume that managers are constantly monitoring them. According to Roy, people often create unnecessary fears in their own minds.

He also encouraged employees experiencing persistent workplace anxiety to speak openly with their managers, saying good leaders build trust, provide guidance and avoid judging their teams.

Concluding the video, Roy said people should not allow their minds to create stories that do not exist.

The clip was shared with the caption: "Sometimes the biggest pressure at work isn't your manager. It's the story your mind keeps telling you."

Social media users say they relate

The video drew several supportive reactions from social media users, many of whom said they had experienced similar feelings at work.

Comments included, "Yes, I agree with you," "This is so true," "Absolutely, I agree with you on this," and "Yes, I feel the same way."

Disclaimer:This article is based on claims, statements, images, videos and other information shared by users on social media platforms. The ET.com has not independently verified the authenticity, accuracy or completeness of these claims unless expressly stated otherwise. The views, allegations and assertions contained in the social media content are those of the respective users and do not reflect the views of The ET.com. The publication bears no responsibility for the accuracy of such claims and readers are advised to exercise their own judgment and seek independent verification where necessary.