How to combat workplace exhaustion
MOST South Africans are currently concerned about the energy crisis and the impact of load shedding on the economy. An even bigger concern is the global trend of exhaustion and low energy levels in the workforce.
When I speak to leaders and managers, there are a few words that continue to be mentioned in conversations: fatigue, exhaustion and burnout.
This isn’t surprising. Burnout has become a global concern.
It refers to feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion specifically pertaining to one’s work. It is defined as an increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job and reduced professional efficiency.
A study by Asana that looked at over 10 000 knowledge workers across seven countries found approximately 70% of people experienced burnout in the last year.
Burnout is hard on people, and it also hurts businesses. According to the study, when people experience burnout, they are more likely to have lower morale (36% of people), be less engaged (30%), make more mistakes (27%), miscommunicate (25%), and ultimately, leave the company (25%).
Another study done by Deloitte, the Workplace Intelligence research, found that 47% of employees have quit in the past when a job negatively affected their well-being, while 57% are considering quitting for a role that better supports their well-being.
Below are some tips to help you deal with workplace exhaustion and recoup your energy levels:
Create meaning
Research has shown the power of spending time outside of work to increase satisfaction at work. Ironically, people tend to perceive more joy at work when they are happier in their activities outside of work.
What does “work” mean to you? Is it that you can create a quality life so that you and your family can live and experience what life has to offer? Or is your approach “live to work”?
It’s crucial to emphasise that no job is perfect. There will always be aspects of a job that you enjoy more than others – and that’s okay. It’s normal to go through ups and downs in your level of job satisfaction.
Boundaries in your workplace might be simpler to maintain once you do some introspection on how you view work.
Thinking partner
When you feel stuck or when your stress level is increasing, make sure you have a confidant you trust. Sometimes you need a thinking partner who can listen to your side in a non-judgemental manner.
Mentorship can also be a powerful tool to enhance your career growth. Be sure to schedule monthly sessions with your coach or mentor to ensure there is consistency and follow-through on your personal growth action plan.
Book your leave
Plan shorter and more meaningful breaks during the year to recoup your energy levels. Studies show that people who take their leave days are more productive, engaged and more likely to be loyal.
What is your next planned event that you are excited about? Make time to plan for this – and don’t wait until December to book your leave.
Stress and exhaustion cannot be managed if you don’t prioritise your own rest. But most importantly, we must be able to take time off without facing consequences or being left with debt.
Speak up
We need to be able to talk about mental health at work. Most of us will go through a period of workplace weariness – and putting up your hand isn’t a sign of weakness. In the Microsoft Worktrends Report, it was learned that the reasons 41% of employees wanted to quit their job were unmanageable workloads and a lack of empathy from their employers.
Start off by talking to your boss if you feel comfortable doing so. If not, speak with your HR department to see what kind of assistance is available.