What protective function does a strong workplace support network provide against stress?

It acts as a buffer against stress

The breakdown of community refers to the absence of supportive relationships, and a strong, positive support network functions critically as a buffer designed to absorb and mitigate the impact of various workplace stressors. When this supportive buffer is absent, stressors, such as high demands or organizational chaos, tend to hit the individual much harder and persist for longer durations. In situations where teams are cohesive and supportive, an overwhelming project can be perceived as a shared burden tackled collectively. Conversely, when the community structure is fractured or hostile, the exact same project transforms into an isolating siege, dramatically increasing the perceived severity and emotional weight of the workload.