Story perspectives

Pandemic-Induced Hypervigilance Undermines Director Moms’ Workplace Credibility

5/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

Director-level mothers in leadership constantly monitor emotional energy and subtle workplace tension, calling it “nervous system management” that absorbs instability without visible reaction.
Licensed psychologist Dr. Shannon Franklin defines hypervigilance as a state that keeps the nervous system on alert for emotional danger.
The pandemic, described as the most traumatic event, sparked hypervigilance for millions of working mothers, leading missed meetings or delayed responses to damage credibility and team stability.

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Story summary

Director-level mothers in leadership constantly monitor emotional energy and subtle workplace tension, calling it “nervous system management” that absorbs instability without visible reaction.
Licensed psychologist Dr. Shannon Franklin defines hypervigilance as a state that keeps the nervous system on alert for emotional danger.
The pandemic, described as the most traumatic event, sparked hypervigilance for millions of working mothers, leading missed meetings or delayed responses to damage credibility and team stability.