ATHENS, Ga. — “I’m just so swamped!” We’ve all worked with that person who seems to wear their stress like a badge of honor, constantly boasting about how overworked and overwhelmed they are. However, new research shows this “stress bragging” behavior does more harm than good. Researchers from the University of Georgia Terry College of Business have found that people who frequently complain about their stressful work lives are seen as less competent and less likable by their colleagues.

The findings, in a nutshell

The researchers surveyed hundreds of workers and found that stress braggers generated ill will and were less likely to receive help from co-workers when they were legitimately overloaded. Beyond just making…