Managing Workplace Stress with Extended DISC®

Stress is one of the most common challenges in modern workplaces. It affects performance, engagement, and overall wellbeing. While a certain level of pressure can motivate and energise us, ongoing stress can become draining and disruptive - both for individuals and the teams around them.

Managers and HR professionals often face the difficult task of identifying when someone is stressed and figuring out how to support them. This can feel especially hard when people react so differently. One team member may become quiet and withdrawn. Another might seem overly emotional or even irritable.

This is where the Extended DISC® framework can offer valuable insight.

What Is Stress, According to Extended DISC®?

Stress, as defined by Extended DISC®, is a reflection of environmental change and the adjustment process that follows. This is different from a medical or psychological condition. It is not necessarily about trauma or illness. Instead, it is about how our natural behavioural preferences respond to external pressures.

Some people thrive on a bit of stress. Others need stability and calm to do their best work. When we understand how different DISC styles behave under stress, we can take steps to support people before pressure turns into a problem.

D Style: Direct, Driven, Determined

What causes stress:

• Loss of control or decision-making power
• Inability to influence outcomes
• Feeling stuck or blocked from achieving goals

What it looks like:

• Becomes blunt, impatient, or demanding
• Rushes decisions without full information
• Focuses only on immediate results

How to support:

• Give clear goals and autonomy
• Let them take responsibility for tasks
• Remind them of the bigger picture

How Extended DISC® Can Help

An Extended DISC® assessment does more than identify someone’s style. While the DISC model is often introduced using four main behavioural styles — D, I, S and C — the Extended DISC® framework recognises 160 unique combinations. This allows for far greater accuracy and personalisation.

Each assessment generates an individualised profile that includes a specific stress section, outlining:

• The most likely causes of stress for that person
• The observable signs of stress in their behaviour
• The most effective ways to release or reduce stress

This information gives managers and HR professionals a practical tool to understand what’s going on beneath the surface — and respond accordingly. It also helps individuals take ownership of their own wellbeing by recognising their stress patterns and learning what works for them.

Final Thought

You cannot always remove the source of stress, but you can change the way you respond to it. For yourself. For your team. For your organisation.

The better we understand our own stress triggers — and those of others — the more effectively we can navigate challenging times together.

Would you like to explore how Extended DISC® can help your team manage stress more effectively?

Download Understanding Stress in the Workplace: A Behavioural Approach to learn more.