Mental Health
Healthy Work Ways By Paula Quinsee
Dealing with toxic environments and symptoms of burnout by prioritising mental health at work should be a priority for every person , and should form part of the overall culture , people strategies and objectives of any business .
They say that your people are your business , and if your people are not well , your business is not well , resulting in factors such as absenteeism , reduced productivity , low staff morale and high staff churn . Unfortunately , difficult work situations , or worse , toxic ones , are all too common , so here ’ s some advice for dealing with the issue .
1 Healthy Approach
• Communication is key : It ’ s important to address any issues as soon as they arise , in an amicable way , by encouraging open dialogue and active listening , with all parties involved and coming to some resolution .
• Seek support : Talking to trusted colleagues , friends or family members provides a space for emotional support and introduces different perspectives on the situation .
• Prioritise self-care outside of work : To maintain your own emotional and physical wellbeing , make sure you exercise and do mindfulness practices to help you cope with life ’ s stressors . This helps to put boundaries in place that can be a buffer between work and home life .
2 Official Steps
• Document Incidents : Keep records of incidents that have taken place , such as inappropriate behaviour or confrontational situations . This will help you provide evidence if needed , but also give context to situations should you be unsure as to whether your experience is real or not , e . g . bullying , narcissism , gaslighting , etc .
• Escalate the situation : It ’ s important to follow the organisation ’ s internal protocols to escalate the situation , whether that be to HR or a senior person , if the situation continues and is having a negative impact on your work performance and mental wellbeing .
• Consider leaving : If you have escalated the situation and it remains unaddressed , you may need to consider finding a healthier work environment , as your mental health comes first . The fact that the issue has not been addressed provides insight into leadership ’ s priorities and the culture of the organisation .
3 Coping Mechanisms
• Communication skills : Develop the ability to handle difficult conversations and come out on the other side with resolutions that take all parties ’ needs and concerns into consideration .
• Mindfulness practices : Mediation and journaling can help with stress reduction and relaxation , to be able to manage your energy resources .
• Time management : By planning tasks and deliverables in advance , it can help to reduce stress , prevent overload , and ensure that you are meeting your deliverables .
• Physical exercise : Regular exercise can help to alleviate stress and improve your overall wellbeing .
• Professional help : If needed , seek counselling or therapy to help you process what you are experiencing , and to equip you with practical tools to cope with the situation .
4 Prioritise Mental Health over Work
As it has such an impact on your long-term wellbeing , it is important to prioritise your mental health , and this will contribute to sustained job performance and overall life satisfaction . It can also prevent burnout and other negative consequences , such as physical illnesses and being able to cope better with life ’ s daily stressors . Furthermore , maintaining your mental health enables you to have better relationships with colleagues and family . Lastly , by finding a way to balance work and your personal life , you experience a healthier , more fulfilling life .
5 What are the signs of burnout ?
• Chronic fatigue which consists of persistent tiredness and lack of energy .
• Feeling disconnected or cynical about work and life in general .
• Decreased productivity and effectiveness .
• Loss of enthusiasm in things and activities that used to bring you joy .
• Withdrawal from social interactions , friendships and family .
• Physical symptoms that can include tension / stress headaches , digestive issues like heartburn , shingles , backpain , and other physical illnesses .
6 Dealing with Burnout
• Schedule regular breaks to recharge and give yourself a mental break . Set reminders to get up and walk away from your desk / work for five minutes of every hour , and put boundaries in place when it comes to working from home , taking work home , and having time out for yourself .
• Manage your workload by setting realistic goals or timeframes . Be honest with yourself and others if you are not going to meet your deadlines and adjust them where necessary rather than working overtime or pulling allnighters .
• Prioritise or delegate responsibilities to avoid overwhelming yourself . If you are not able to do this , then talk to your manager about what is on your plate and let them help you to prioritise .
Paula Quinsee is the founder of Engaged Humans , facilitating connection between men , women and couples . She is a certified Imago Relationship Therapy Educator and Facilitator , NLP Practitioner , PDA Analyst , coach and trainer . She has authored two self-help guides : Embracing Conflict and Embracing No , as is an international speaker , advocate for mental health and activist for gender-based violence . More info at www . engagedhumans . com .
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