Workplace stress | The Cost of High Cortisol in the Workplace

Cortisol plays an essential role in how your employees respond to stress. But when levels remain elevated over an extended period, it can have a significant impact on both the employee and the organisation.

High cortisol levels are manageable, but they become increasingly harmful when ignored – and few people understand what is happening biologically when they feel stressed.

This article looks at the impact unchecked cortisol can have on your workforce, and what you can do to prevent it.

What is cortisol?

Cortisol, often called “the stress hormone”, is one of the body’s most important chemical messengers. Produced by the adrenal glands, it helps regulate energy levels, sleep-wake cycles, blood pressure, immune response, metabolism, and the body’s fight-or-flight response.