Anger in the workplace can look like a quiet simmer, with an employee retreating behind curt replies and crossed arms, or an outright explosion of raised voices and slamming doors. You’ve probably witnessed this—or maybe even felt it yourself. A project delayed because someone didn’t pull their weight. A colleague whose condescending tone grates after a long, stressful day. Or an employee whose personal struggles spill into workplace interactions. Anger in the workplace is more common than many of us like to admit, and while it’s a normal human emotion, its ripple effects can disrupt productivity and damage relationships if left unchecked.
What Is Anger?
At its core, anger is a survival mechanism, part of our brain’s fight-or-flight response. When we perceive a threat—whether it’s disrespect, unfair treatment, or an overwhelming workload—the amygdala springs into action, preparing the body to react. You’ve seen this in action: the employee whose face flushes red, their voice sharp as they defend themselves in a team meeting. These physical signs—tense muscles, a pounding heart—are a natural response to perceived danger, but they can cloud rational thinking and escalate conflicts.
Anger often masks deeper emotions like fear or frustration. For instance, the employee who snaps at their manager for assigning a new task may actually be feeling overwhelmed by personal issues, like a child’s illness or mounting debt. These underlying emotions drive much of the anger we see in workplaces, making it crucial for managers to look beyond the immediate outburst and address its root causes.
Common Triggers of Workplace Anger
Workplace anger rarely comes out of nowhere. Often, it’s the result of accumulated frustrations. A lack of recognition for hard work, unclear job expectations, or constant micromanagement can ignite anger in even the most composed employees. An employee denied a promotion they worked tirelessly for might not just feel disappointed—they may feel betrayed, leading to resentment and outbursts. It may even be a sign of workplace bullying.
External stressors can amplify this. WorkSafe New Zealand highlights that personal challenges like financial pressures, family issues, or even lack of sleep can significantly raise an employee’s stress levels, making them more reactive. Imagine a single parent juggling their job while worrying about mounting bills—what seems like a minor critique at work could push them over the edge.
Why Understanding Anger Matters
Unchecked anger isn’t just a personal issue; it’s a workplace hazard. According to WorkSafe New Zealand, workplace stressors, when left unmanaged, can lead to psychological harm. Anger affects not just the individual experiencing it but also their colleagues, team dynamics, and overall workplace morale. The tense silence that follows a heated argument or the drop in productivity when an employee disengages are symptoms of deeper issues that demand attention.
Steps to Better Manage Anger in the Workplace
Understanding anger is the first step in managing it. Recognising that it’s often a secondary emotion, masking more vulnerable feelings, can help managers respond with empathy instead of defensiveness. Create an environment where employees feel heard and valued—where concerns about workload, recognition, or fairness can be raised without fear of retaliation. These preventative measures, highlighted in WorkSafe New Zealand’s guidance, can reduce the frequency and intensity of anger in your workplace.