"Calm was restored after about 20 minutes (it was a false alarm), but even after I'd returned to the quiet of my room, my heart kept pounding. It felt like forever before I was finally able to relax enough to fall back asleep, and the next day, I was tired and cranky as a result of the interruption. These things happen."
"But the alarm incident reminded me that emergencies - real or not - take an incredible toll on our nervous systems. It also struck me how similar this felt to a workplace where everything is treated like a fire drill. Urgency has its place. But when every request becomes an all-caps, panic button moment, nothing truly urgent stands out - and your teams pay the price."
False urgency has increased due to an "always on" culture, turning routine requests into constant crisis signals and inflating minor tasks into time-sensitive emergencies. Continuous high-priority messages and Slack markings create a perpetual state of arousal that taxes employees' nervous systems, sleep, and morale. Workers, especially Gen Z, are pushing back and seeking respect for boundaries and mental health. Leaders need to distinguish urgent from important, reduce unnecessary interruptions, and prioritize truly critical work. Clear communication, measured escalation protocols, and protecting focused time can prevent burnout and improve team effectiveness.
Read at Entrepreneur
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