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Hindustan Times
16 hours ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Feeling drained at work? Experts share what employees and organisations can do to ease burnout
Burnout is an alarming reality for working professionals navigating deadlines and workloads. It's the feeling of being completely mentally exhausted without any motivation (and you are on autopilot). Moreover, the pressure doesn't ease after clocking out either. In fact, it many times follows you home, weighing down heavily on your personal time as well. Being emotionally drained over time can lead to a serious meltdown one day, from which bouncing back may be difficult. To understand how employee burnout can be better managed, HT Lifestyle reached out to experts who shed light on how to reduce burnout in employees, covering multiple facets, including what organisations can do to support mental health and how employees can strengthen their own emotional wellbeing at a personal level. Sheena Sood, psychologist and counsellor at P D Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Mahim, said, 'That constant fatigue, emotional detachment, or inability to concentrate, it may not just be a busy season. Persistent workplace exhaustion is often a sign of something deeper, emotional burnout. As work demands grow, mental health can take a backseat, leading to serious consequences that often go unnoticed.' Sheena Sood shared 4 ways employees can do at a personal level in the workplace to alleviate stress: Dr Noel Coutinho, co-founder and chief business officer at ekincare, said, 'Employers play a pivotal role in creating a mentally healthy workplace, one that doesn't just react to burnout but actively works to prevent it. Corporate mental health efforts must evolve from reactive to proactive. Systems should be built to foster emotional resilience before burnout sets in. According to ekincare Report, out of 2,095 reported mental health cases, over half were linked to personal or emotional stress rather than workplace pressures, highlighting the need for holistic wellness approaches that go beyond office walls." Dr Coutinho shared these 5 ways organisations can help reduce employee fatigue: Stress doesn't magically disappear when you leave work; in fact, it lingers and can even spiral into anxiety as you start dreading the next day. Dr Ajit Dandekar, head of psychiatry and mental health at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mumbai, suggested preparing a personal mental health kit at home. He said, 'Creating a mental health kit doesn't only mean filling a box with commercially available 'stress-relieving' toys. The strategy to create a toolkit should focus on collecting personally and scientifically meaningful objects. Individuals with anxiety and depression relate to coping methods like religious practices, social acceptance, planning, and seeking emotional support tools that help them feel anchored and proactive. Other than guided activities like mindfulness and journaling, small group discussions (maybe with parents or siblings) significantly reduce social anxiety and improve well-being. A truly effective mental health kit isn't just a collection of practices; it's a balance of internal strategies like mindfulness and acceptance, and external support through communal coping. ' Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
News18
28-05-2025
- Health
- News18
Monday Blues or Something More? Your 9-to-5 Burnout Could Be the Real Culprit
Last Updated: From wellness workshops and expert-led seminars to open-door policies and inclusive leadership, every small step counts A fat paycheck at 25. Burning the midnight oil to meet impossible deadlines. Multi-tasking your way up the corporate ladder—all in the hope of retiring early by 45. On paper, it sounds like a dream. But in reality, this hustle-driven lifestyle is becoming a breeding ground for chronic stress, declining well-being, and, ultimately, workplace burnout. Burnout isn't just a trending buzzword—it's a silent crisis. A state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress, it creeps in gradually. The red flags? Restless nights, persistent fatigue, irritability, and a growing sense of detachment from your work. Left unaddressed, burnout can push even the most passionate employees out of the workforce. That's why it's time we confront this issue head-on and prioritize mental well-being in the workplace—starting with identifying its root causes. Burnout is not a sudden breakdown, it's the slow erosion of your emotional and mental energy. The factors contributing to it may seem minor at first but accumulate over time. 'Psychological and environmental factors in corporate settings that trigger chronic stress, anxiety, or burnout include excessive workloads, unrealistic deadlines, and lack of control over tasks," says Dr. Priya Ahuja, Clinical Psychologist, Jaipur. These daily stressors manifest in three significant ways: Energy depletion 'There is no industry today that is free from stress," says Dr. Noel Coutinho, Chief Business Officer and Co-Founder, ekincare. 'It could be sectors with odd working hours like healthcare, or even high-pressure environments like construction. What matters more is the awareness and willingness to acknowledge the issue and seek solutions." The Corporate Crisis: It's Time for an Action Plan One of the biggest roadblocks to mental health in the workplace is the stigma attached to it. As Dr. Ahuja points out, 'Mental well-being remains a taboo in many workplaces." Opening up conversations and normalizing mental health discussions is the first step to real change. Key Steps Toward a Healthier Workplace Culture: 1. Proactive Screening and Counseling Support Regular mental health screenings, employee wellness programs, and access to confidential counseling or Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are no longer optional—they're essential. Mental health training for both managers and employees can help build a more empathetic and informed work culture. 2. Small Changes, Big Impact Introducing flexible work hours, remote work options, and realistic project timelines supports a better work-life balance. Encouraging regular breaks, reducing micromanagement, and promoting open communication go a long way in building trust and easing pressure. 3. Personalized Well-being Strategies An ekincare report revealed that out of 2,095 mental health cases, over 1,000 were linked to personal and emotional stress—proving that burnout isn't always just about work. This highlights the need for personalized well-being support that accounts for both personal and professional challenges. 4. Lead with Empathy and Clarity Change must begin at the top. Leadership that is compassionate, transparent, and proactive in addressing mental health concerns sets the tone for the rest of the organization. Policies against bullying, discrimination, and workplace harassment should be clearly defined and strictly enforced. We spend almost a third of our lives at work. Our offices must evolve into safe, holistic spaces that support—not sabotage—our well-being. From wellness workshops and expert-led seminars to open-door policies and inclusive leadership, every small step counts. But more importantly, these shouldn't be sporadic gestures—they must be embedded into the fabric of corporate culture. Because in the end, a thriving business starts with thriving people. And a mentally healthy workplace isn't just good for employees—it's essential for long-term success. Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: May 28, 2025, 13:09 IST News lifestyle » health-and-fitness Monday Blues or Something More? Your 9-to-5 Burnout Could Be the Real Culprit
