Stress spreads faster than we realize — and not just in person. On this short episode of the Less Stress, More Joy podcast, Amy Leneker breaks down why stress is contagious in workplaces, how it travels through emotional pathways, and what leaders and teammates can do to stop the ripple before it impacts an entire organization.

If you’ve ever walked into a meeting and felt the tension — or noticed stress spreading through emails, texts, or Slack — this episode will help you understand why that happens and how to respond differently.

Amy shares research-backed insights on emotional contagion, explains why stress itself isn’t an emotion (but still spreads), and introduces one simple, practical tool you can use today — at work or at home — to reduce stress contagion and increase calm.

On this episode, you’ll learn:

* Why stress spreads through teams like a virus

* How stress travels emotionally, even in virtual workplaces

* Why “fake calm” doesn’t work — and what does

* How leaders and peers influence stress levels in the room

* One simple way to surface and manage stress before it escalates

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction & What You’ll Learn

Amy introduces the idea of stress contagion and promises one practical tool listeners can use today—at work and outside of work.

00:45 – Why Stress Feels Contagious (Even Though It’s Not an Emotion)

Amy explains why stress spreads through teams by traveling along emotional pathways tied to frustration, overwhelm, and anxiety.

01:55 – Anxiety as “The Emotion of Community”

How stress and anxiety ripple through workplaces, teams, and organizations—and why humans instinctively pick up on each other’s stress.

03:05 – Stress Spreads Digitally, Too

Why stress doesn’t just spread in offices, but also through emails, texts, emojis, and virtual communication.

04:05 – The Stress Ripple Effect at Work

How unmanaged stress moves through teams like a virus—and why awareness is the first step to stopping it.

05:05 – Calm Is the Antidote (and It Has to Be Real)

What research shows about leaders who demonstrate genuine calm, and how it reduces stress and increases engagement.

06:05 – One Tool to Stop Stress Contagion: The Stress Ruler

How to use a simple 0–10 check-in to surface stress early and prevent it from spreading.

06:35 – Wrap-Up, Book Mention & Call to Action

Amy closes with encouragement, invites listeners to follow and share the show, and mentions Cheers to Monday.

📚 Resources & Next Steps

Explore the Stress Ruler in a previous episode of Less Stress, More Joy

Learn more in Amy’s upcoming book, Cheers to Monday (available March 24)

💬 Stay Connected

* If this episode resonated with you:

* Follow the podcast

* Share it with a colleague or friend

* Leave a quick review — it’s the best way to help others find the show

📩 Questions or thoughts? Reach out at amy@amyleneker.com