Burnout, AI, and the Wellbeing Difference...
In this issue: Burnout, AI and the Wellbeing Difference / Chasing Hobbies Over Achievement Boosts Happiness / 3 common traits of workaholics (and how to stop lying to yourself about why you work so much) / The Lighter Side of Healthier Cultures
Burnout, AI, and the Wellbeing Difference
Why you’re getting this:
I'm Andrea J. Miller and this is my “On Leading Well” Newsletter. I send this to people in my networks, people I’ve met recently, and friends I want to keep in touch with. You can unsubscribe (SEE THE VERY BOTTOM OF THE EMAIL) anytime, I won’t be offended.
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I look forward to connecting!
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Global stress and burnout levels in the workplace are at an all-time high.
Ok, you know that already… so, the real questions are why and, more importantly, how to fix it.
While burnout isn’t considered a mental illness, it can have a dramatic impact on both your physical and mental health.
Unfortunately, the growing (over)use of the term can make it easier to dismiss the very real human toll it takes.
I was sadly reminded of this in multiple conversations last week.
The first was with a director at a large multi-national organization and then with two friends, all of whom were dealing with burnout in some way.
If You Want to Stop the Burn, Stop Fueling the Fire
At the heart of the burnout epidemic is an often-unrecognized toxic culture at many companies.
The continual push for faster results and greater achievements at all costs is leaving many feeling pressured to deliver more, while simultaneously feeling disengaged.
Even more troubling, as I was reminded by my friends, is an acceptance of abusive managers and unhealthy power dynamics that aggravate an already bad situation.
When employees face harassment, discrimination, or a general lack of respect in the workplace they lose their sense of safety and confidence, making work an anxiety-filled and exhausting experience.
While the rise of remote work and distance has improved that for some, it has simultaneously made it far worse for others.
The increased blending of professional and personal responsibilities and a general lack of connection has left people feeling more vulnerable and alone, with less time to recharge and recover.
Paradoxically, the same companies accepting this are spending millions on staff wellbeing initiatives that are often too little too late.
As the Director in that multinational organization told me, once staff have gotten to the stage of burnout they often need to take significantly more time off, and rarely return the same, if they choose to return at all.
She said, “The response needs to go beyond putting a band-aid on a broken arm (it sounded so much better in French, then again, most things do :).”
The key, like with any health issue, is to take a preventative approach.
Companies can avoid ‘broken arms” by reducing or better yet eliminating the instigating elements and creating workplace cultures that support staff wellbeing.
This is not only the right thing to do for people, but it’s also critical for the company’s welfare.
In an age where AI has begun to level the playing field in some industries, eliminating many repetitive tasks that waste time (if we could only send a bot to all those endless meetings…) our human IP is becoming the greatest differentiator.
AI + Wellbeing = Peak Performance
The biology is simple.
When we're stressed, our brain releases hormones like cortisol, which can disrupt our thinking processes.
Stress also reduces activity in the prefrontal cortex, the area responsible for creativity and problem-solving.
As a result, we often become more reactive and less creative.
Additionally, when staff is working so much that they no longer have the free time to think creativity suffers.
Researchers have found that there’s a sweet spot when our minds can wander, aiding imagination.
When this happens, a part of our brain called the "default mode network" (DMN) becomes active and helps us think more imaginatively.
In other words, to bring this all together, if you wait until things go wrong, then it’s already too late.
It’s sort of like never changing the oil in your car, then the engine light goes on and you still don’t change it. The car keeps running but then one day the engine shuts down and needs to be replaced.
Okay, a terrible analogy, but you get the idea…
It’s simple, invest a little upfront, by creating cultures that nurture your greatest asset, your people, or face more costly consequences.
Without question addressing burnout is a multifaceted challenge that requires effort.
We tend to think doing more is better…when in fact, it’s just more, and it’s often harmful.
So then, what’s a conscientious CEO, director, and/or manager to do?
Lead by example.
The culture of an organization is only as good or bad as the worst behavior you tolerate.
What are you accepting as OK?
And, more importantly, what are you willing to change?
The Burnout to Engagement :
1. Prioritize wellbeing. Discourage overwork and unreasonable deadlines. Model healthy behaviors.
2. Monitor workloads proactively. Ensure teams have the resources they need and monitor workloads. Prevent excessive stress.
3. Invest in mental health. Reduce stigma and encourage open conversations about mental health. Train managers on emotional intelligence and mental health first aid.
4. Nurture social connections. Humans need to connect and relate. Enough said.
5. Offer personal development. Support growth. Help employees gain meaning and purpose.
Regardless of your resources, companies can build cultures of care and take steps to end burnout. When businesses invest in human sustainability wellbeing and performance climb.
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RECOMMENDED LISTENS, READS And Other Interesting Things
Chasing Hobbies Over Achievement Boosts Happiness:
Individuals emphasizing freedom and hobbies experienced a boost in well-being, whereas those prioritizing achievement felt less happy.
3 common traits of workaholics (and how to stop lying to yourself about why you work so much):
Many workaholics are in denial about how their devotion to work actually affects their families and friendships.
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The Lighter Side of Healthier Cultures
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Are there any other subjects you want me to cover? Hit “Reply” and tell me!
I love hearing from you :)!
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Andrea J. Miller
+1 (646) 556-5401 (Whatsapp)
As always, thanks for reading!