A recent Gallup poll showed that the number of actively disengaged workers is now at 18%. Many of them are attributing burnout as they navigate past pandemic restrictions, “Zoom fatigue” and inconsistent guidelines on return to office-to-office mandates.
To battle these feelings of weariness, this article from Time Magazine shares some tangible suggestions on how to prioritize mental wellness by setting healthy boundaries at work:
Be vocal about what’s not working and what is
- The most simple step you can take to setting boundaries at work is to be anything but quiet. Speaking to your manager about what isn’t working and what your personal goals are can make all the difference, says Jim Harter, Chief Scientist for Gallup’s workplace management practice, “That builds some equity into the culture. That feels good for you, your well-being and it’s good for the company.”
- If you are dissatisfied with the work you are expected to do for what you earn, it may be time for a conversation about your salary, too. Mary Nice, a career and workplace consultant, says advocating for higher pay by clearly articulating your points for why you deserve a raise could be very constructive. “Conversations about money are going to be uncomfortable, but they are also completely expected and deserved,” she says.
Take time off
- In 2020, Americans left an average of 33% of paid time off days unused, according to the U.S. Travel Association. Not taking a necessary break from work can lead to burnout, chronic stress and other health problems.
Limit notifications outside of work hours
- The last few years of remote work has blurred the lines of the usual work-life balance, leading to a build-up of resentment with every after-hours email or Slack message. Ana Goehner, a career strategist said, “Managers are not mind readers, so you need to communicate your availability.”
- If you plan on setting your phone on ‘Do Not Disturb’ or are limiting your time frame of answering emails after a certain hour, be sure to clearly relay that to the rest of your team to manage their expectations of you.
Prioritize your mental and physical health
- There are some small steps workers can take to help alleviate stress. Leslie Rangel, an anchor at FOX 7 Austin, also known as “The News Yogi,” believes taking steps in your personal life like yoga and thought work can drastically impact your state of mind during work hours. “There’s a common misconception that yoga means you have to roll out a mat and do this whole thing, but in reality, yoga can be as simple as intentional breathing,” says Rangel. “Sprinkle that throughout your day.”
Try to find meaning in your work
- One of the main factors contributing to burnout at work is increased mental distance or negativity related to one’s job, according to the World Health Organization. Feeling passion, purpose and variety in the work you do can make a great impact.
- It’s meaningful when you feel like you’re doing something that has an impact, that you care about, or that feels important to the company.
If you’re feeling dissatisfied with your current position, then maybe it’s time to explore new engineering opportunities. Check out SoloPoint Job Board or speak to one of our technical recruiters today: