Rethinking ‘Works Well Under Pressure’

We've all been there. The constant rush from one thing to another, the never-ending to-do list and that feeling we're always running on empty. It's almost like we wear stress as a badge of honour, proof that we're hardworking, dedicated and committed. If we're new to the workforce, we're trying to make our mark. Give it a couple of years and we might be juggling management responsibilities or childcare commitments. Later in life, we may face the challenges of teenage moods, our own energy levels changing as we age, or ailing parents. With rising expectations and demands and a culture that often discourages saying "no", it's time to rethink our approach to work.

This year's #WorldMentalHealthDay theme is “Mental Health at Work". Linked to this, its useful to take the opportunity to focus on burnout in the workplace”. The World Health Organization even recognises burnout as an occupational phenomenon. A recent report by Mental Health UK paints a pretty grim picture: nine out of ten adults in the UK experienced high or extreme stress in the past year, and one in five need time off due to work-related mental health struggles.

It doesn't have to be this way. We can all take steps to improve our mental wellbeing at work and challenge hustle culture. What is it that triggers your stress, inside and outside of work? Are there specific tasks, activities or interactions that consistently lead to stress? Maybe external factors like financial worries or family pressures are contributing to it. Identifying these things can help you develop strategies to manage them more effectively.

Recently, I challenged colleagues to think of their “one thing” that makes them feel better mentally or physically and do more of it this October. After just a week, the sense of improved mood in the office was noticeable. Developing a personal wellbeing plan can be as simple as this - try to think of one thing you could improve. It might be more time for hobbies, spending time in nature, practicing mindfulness techniques, or doing some exercise. Experiment with different strategies to find what works best for you.

None of us are alone in feeling stressed and burned out. By initiating conversations about mental health in your workplace and sharing your own experiences, you'll encourage others to do the same. A supportive work environment can make a real difference in managing stress and promoting wellbeing. Managers can also lead by example to encourage open communication, ensure resources and support for employees' mental health are in place, and prioritise work-life balance.

This month we also introduced short lunchtime tai chi sessions and walks at work. Try to schedule walking breaks into your diary or even use a standing desk. Regular physical activity can help reduce stress, improve mood, and boost energy levels. Group walks, social events and making sure there's a comfortable place for colleagues to connect and chat also help, since strong social connections reduce isolation and improve mental health.

Finally, remind employees of the importance of taking time for themselves and lead by example. Are you sending or replying to emails late at night? If so, you're giving the impression that the grind never ends and setting expectations for others to do the same. Encourage your colleagues to set boundaries, delegate tasks when possible, and avoid overworking. By prioritising their own wellbeing, employees can be more productive and effective in the long run.

Productivity and wellbeing should go hand in hand. Share your ideas and experiences, and let's work together to build a culture that values both equally.