Michael Gullan
Mental health in the workplace is becoming a focus for progressive organisations that value and view their employees as people - not simply as costs on a balance sheet.
And smart leaders realise that physically and mentally healthy employees are not only good for productivity, they’re also essential for creating a positive work culture.
Despite an increased awareness, workplace burnout is getting worse - with tough economic times necessitating greater outputs from employees.
SA situation
A survey by Oxford University showed that South Africans have among the longest working hours in the world; with the average employee working 40 to 48 hours a week, and 21% of our workforce working more than 49 hours a week.
A report by Our World in Data on working hours shows that although South Africans work longer hours, we’re not matching the productivity levels of developed nations who work less.
Working such long hours over a prolonged time without adequate rest increases the chance of burnout and decreases performance.
Burnout is a real crisis among South African businesses of all sizes. It has increased dramatically since the pandemic, even with increased remote and hybrid working.
It does not discriminate based on age and is no longer reserved for people in their 40s or 50s.
Occupational burnout can take the form of energy depletion or exhaustion, mental distance from work tasks, negativity or cynicism related to work, and reduced professional efficacy.
Understanding
Employees can recover from or prevent burnout when they understand their mental health challenges, strengths and weaknesses. Organisations should provide adequate, relevant information to empower employees to understand and take care of their mental health.
Learning fulfils
It's logical to think that the last thing burnt-out employees need is more training added to their busy schedules. However, research proves that learning new skills can improve mental well-being by boosting self-confidence and self-esteem. And in the ever-evolving working landscape, e-learning provides an effective and efficient option.
When you engage in e-learning within your team or organisation, you will feel connected to your colleagues and your organisation, and become a co-creator of your personal and business success.
A well-structured e-learning programme should take learning offline so that team members can discuss and engage with their colleagues about their new skills. Throw gamification strategies into the mix and you can ignite happy, healthy competition that augments interest and builds culture.
Learning can also help build self-awareness and understanding. The more you learn about the world outside yourself, the more you’ll get to know yourself. With a clear self-image and understanding of your uniqueness, you can play to your strengths at work and in your personal endeavours - and live a fulfilled and satisfying life.
Pressure and stress are not going away - and we need to empower employees with the skills needed to manage their stress and better understand how to prevent and recover from burnout.
* Gullan is chief executive of G&G Advocacy