Archive · 25 Jul 2026
Manager's Online Status Triggers Workplace Anxiety
Avik Roy, a former corporate employee, shared his experience with workplace anxiety.
He felt anxious and hyper-alert whenever his manager came online, fearing immediate messages and judgment.
This anxiety made him feel guilty even for taking a coffee break.
Roy realized he was creating this fear in his own mind and changed his approach.
He stopped measuring his worth by quick responses, started sending proactive updates, and stopped assuming constant monitoring.
He advises others to talk to their managers and have honest conversations to reduce anxiety.
Avik Roy experienced workplace anxiety triggered by his manager's online status.
He felt hyper-alert and feared immediate messages and judgment.
Roy realized he was creating this fear in his own mind.
He changed his approach by focusing on work quality and sending proactive updates.
He advises talking to managers and having honest conversations to reduce anxiety.
- Who
- Avik Roy, a former corporate employee
- What
- Workplace anxiety triggered by manager's online status
- When
- During Roy's early corporate career
- Where
- In a corporate work environment
- Why
- Fear of immediate responses and judgment from managers
Employee Perspective
Manager Perspective
Impact of Manager's Online Status
Employee Perspective
Employees feel anxious and hyper-alert when their manager is online, fearing immediate responses and judgment.
Manager Perspective
Managers may not be aware of the anxiety they cause and might see online status as a tool for better communication.
Communication and Trust
Employee Perspective
Employees can reduce anxiety by sending proactive updates and focusing on work quality rather than immediate responses.
Manager Perspective
Managers can help by setting clear expectations and fostering a trusting environment.
- Avik Roy
- Former corporate employee with 17 years of experience
- Workplace Anxiety
- Stress and worry caused by overbearing managers
- Hyper-Alert Mode
- State of heightened anxiety when manager is online
- Proactive Updates
- Sending updates before manager asks to build trust
- Communication Advice
- Talk to managers about feelings and have honest conversations