Stress is typically seen as the enemy of productivity and well-being, but not all stress is created equal. In fact, when managed correctly, stress can become a powerful tool that drives both personal growth and organisational success. This controlled form of stress, known as ‘eustress’, transforms pressure into a motivating force that pushes employees to innovate, perform, and grow.
For Mukul Chopra, CHRO, Transaction Solutions International, eustress is a key ingredient for cultivating success within the workplace. He believes that creating an environment where employees face challenges that push them beyond their comfort zones—but not so far as to feel overwhelmed—fosters growth and resilience. “We use stress constructively,” Chopra explains. “Assigning tasks that stretch an employee’s capabilities builds confidence and prepares them for bigger challenges.”
This philosophy of controlled stress is visible in the day-to-day operations of the company. Managers assign progressively challenging tasks that test employees’ limits, but always with a support system in place. As employees tackle these challenges, they gain small wins that build their self-confidence and capability. Chopra likens it to a feedback loop—small victories spur confidence, which in turn encourages employees to take on bigger tasks, knowing they are capable of succeeding.
“We use stress constructively. Assigning tasks that stretch an employee’s capabilities builds confidence and prepares them for bigger challenges.”
Mukul Chopra, CHRO, Transaction Solutions International
But the concept of eustress goes beyond individual challenges; it also thrives within team dynamics. Chopra draws an analogy to military units such as India’s Para Commandos, where teamwork is crucial. “The Para Commandos don’t face stress alone—they rely on their teammates, which makes challenges more manageable,” he says. In the workplace, this translates into fostering collaboration within teams, ensuring that no one faces pressure in isolation. Through shared accountability and complementary skills, teams can distribute stress, making it easier for everyone to manage.
“Employees need to balance their physical, mental, and emotional energy.”
Rajeev Singh, G-CHRO, Epic Group
Still, the balance between productive stress and burnout is delicate. Rajeev Singh, G-CHRO, Epic Group, highlights the importance of energy management to sustain eustress without tipping into distress. “Employees need to balance their physical, mental, and emotional energy,” Singh notes, advocating for a holistic approach to well-being. Physical activity keeps the body resilient, while mental breaks—like mindfulness practices—help recharge cognitive energy. Finding a sense of purpose at work, Singh argues, is crucial for maintaining emotional and spiritual balance, which reframes stress as a challenge rather than a burden.
Some companies, such as Unilever and Google, have already embraced this holistic approach by offering wellness programmes that encourage mindfulness, fitness, and personal growth. By fostering environments that support energy management, these organisations help employees handle stress more effectively, leading to higher engagement and job satisfaction. For employees who find meaning in their work, stress often transforms into excitement, driving them to innovate and take on new challenges.
Leaders play an essential role in maintaining this balance. Both Chopra and Singh agree that it’s up to leaders to create conditions where eustress thrives. They need to ensure that employees are given opportunities to grow while also being supported, so that stress never becomes overwhelming. Open communication is key to building trust within teams, and regular check-ins help leaders identify when an employee is struggling. “Positive stress works when it’s carefully measured,” Chopra says. “It needs to stimulate, not overwhelm.”
Singh emphasises the same point, urging leaders to model energy management practices for their teams. By balancing challenges with support and encouraging employees to recharge, leaders set the stage for creativity, innovation, and resilience to flourish.
In the end, eustress is a powerful tool when managed properly. It pushes individuals and teams to achieve their best, building confidence, fostering creativity, and boosting performance. Through thoughtful leadership, collaboration, and a focus on well-being, organisations can transform stress from a roadblock into a catalyst for success.