When High Performance Hides Struggle

It's easy to assume that if someone is still meeting deadlines, turning up every day and getting the job done, they must be coping well.

In reality, that's not always the case.

Many people continue to perform at work while quietly struggling with stress, anxiety, burnout or the effects of difficult life events. From the outside they may appear resilient but maintaining that level of performance can come at a significant personal cost.

This is sometimes referred to as presenteeism, when employees are physically at work but their wellbeing is affecting their ability to function at their best. Unlike sickness absence, it's often hidden, making it much harder for employers to recognise.

Rather than asking, "Are they coping?" it can be more helpful to ask, "What might it be costing them to keep going?"

Managers don't need to become therapists but they can make a meaningful difference by creating an environment where people feel comfortable talking before they reach crisis point. Simple, supportive conversations and knowing where to signpost employees for professional help can often prevent problems from escalating.

Supporting mental health isn't only about reducing absence. It's about helping people stay healthy, engaged and able to perform sustainably over the long term.

At Blue Talking Therapies, we work with individuals and organisations across the North East, providing timely access to evidence-based psychological therapies, including CBT, EMDR and counselling, to help employees receive the support they need when they need it most.