Being proactive at work - blessing or bane?

In most modern workplaces it is not enough for employees to react and adapt to changes in their environment; rather, they need to plan ahead and prepare for potential threats and dangers in the future by taking the initiative today. Research has shown that in general, engaging in proactive behaviour comes with beneficial results. But sometimes employee proactivity may also lead to negative (side) effects, such as increased stress. Employees therefore need to consider the trade-offs between rewards and potential costs of proactive behaviour at work.