Move over the 'Great Resignation', we are now entering a period of 'Great Exhaustion'. Burnout and stress in the workplace continue to rise each year. It seems to me that people who are well, usually do well. But in recent times, it seems we are doing a lot of 'doing', and not enough 'well'.

There is no denying that workplace stress and poor mental health costs money. Lots of money. Somewhere in the vicinity of $12 billion a year in lost productivity in Australia alone! On top of this, a recent Mercer study shows that 78% of employees feel at risk of burnout.

To coincide with World Mental Health Day on 10th October this month, we encourage everyone to take a temperature check on burnout levels. We spend more than a third of our week at work, and it is clear that a happy and healthy workforce will be more productive.

The Lead-Up

The last few years have seen most people dig deep to deal with unrelenting change – work changes, shutdowns, supply chain issues, work restrictions, builder bankruptcy, floods, interest rates, and talks about a coming recession. Traumatic events, like the pandemic, is an example of a traumatic event that has created significant prolonged stress for people from all walks of life.

A high-pressure job, difficult work environment, employment uncertainty, worrying about getting sick, job loss, decreased income, loneliness and conflicts with others over the many opinions and directions given are challenging. Dealing with the stressors others are experiencing can also add to a source of prolonged stress, putting pressure on our well-being and productivity. And current mental health trends show that more of us are struggling and not doing so well.

On top of that, in a work context, we still operate with the industrial age belief that if we work hard and achieve our targets, we deserve happiness. And, if that is not happening, we just need to work a bit harder. Yet most people I work with are caught up in the busyness treadmill, continuously rushed for time, and not getting through their never-ending to-do lists. But this equation is wrong and can lead to burnout.

This has, in turn, brought additional stressors and uncertainty for people, and the potential for burnout and overwhelm trying to balance it all. With change and disruption happening faster, more frequently and dramatically than we are used to, it can be too hard to see the way through to a better solution.

The below information may help you if you are experiencing stress or help you to identify and talk with one of your team members.

Stress

During our adult lives, a large proportion of our time is spent at work, and our experience in the workplace is one of the factors that determine our overall well-being.

When we experience stress, our bodies move into a state of fight or flight. Our brain prioritises survival and pumps out hormones, adrenalin and cortisol, to prepare the body to take action. This allows you to take action in situations that require a quick response. We need this to function, of course, and when 'well' and "balanced", it provides the impetus and excitement to get started.

However, when it is prolonged, it is at the expense of our cognitive processing abilities, and the brain deprioritises other important functions like perspective-taking, problem-solving, and rest. Research has shown that prolonged stress can actually result in brain structure, including volume reductions in certain areas of the brain. These structural brain changes have the potential to lead to behavioural, emotional and cognitive dysfunction and ultimately increase a person's vulnerability to mental illness and physical illness, including the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal and respiratory systems.

The impact of prolonged stress, which is what we see in the industry, can include both physical and mental health conditions and can include:-

·        Anxiety, mood changes, trouble sleeping

·        Difficulty concentrating or disorganised thoughts

·        Eating and drinking too much or too little

·        Fatigue, headaches, indigestion, irritability

·        Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness

·        Frequent illnesses and infections and slow recovery

·        Feeling out of control

Stress and anxiety affect people differently – some will crave order, over-plan, exert control, and find comfort in rules. Other people will rebel, act out or lash out and become non-compliant. Some people will comfort eat or drink, whilst others stop. Some will struggle with sleep; others will sleep more.

It is important to take the time to identify your own stress triggers and behavioural patterns when under pressure. It is equally important not to assume that others will think, feel and react the same way you do to uncertainty, challenge and change.

The Right Person In The Right Job

Over ten years of research shows that if we prioritise our health, well-being and happiness first, productivity, problem-solving, innovation, creativity and achievement increase by up to 30%.

Finding a fulfilling career is no easy task, and suffering in the wrong career or job can cause further damage to one's mental health – "getting through it" can be damaging to your self-esteem as well as dangerous. Finding the right job that works positively for you is a much safer and more sustainable solution.

Meaningful employment expands your sense of self-worth by adding to your skills and helping you accomplish your personal goals and fulfilment. In the search for meaningful employment, there can be a few barriers such as career gaps, insecurities, skills gaps, expectations of the employer, and expectations of your family. With the help of a recruiter who understands what you bring to the table, what you are willing and able to do, and your end-game, these can easily be overcome. The focus is on having the understanding and support to work with you to find a sustainable solution suitable for your current abilities where you can have honest pride in your work.

Everyone is unique. But having the right person in the right job is key. Both for the employer and employee. The key is finding the right support, resources and environment that allow you to thrive.

At SiteForce Recruitment, our team are proud to be a people company. We are focused on you. Our core business is attracting, selecting, and safe placement of talented individuals for a vast range of role classifications from unskilled to trades to professional roles. Our reputation is for clear direction and building solid relationships long into the future, and we do that efficiently, safely and expertly.

Our Superpower

Our leading 'superpower' is attracting and retaining quality team members who share our values of honesty, integrity, diligence, and service, giving us the ability to deploy quality team members on client sites quickly.

Our team member's superpower is being motivated, prepared and ready to enthusiastically contribute to the projects at hand, more than just a pair of hands.

Related articles:

The Secret Sauce of Matchmaking: Chantal Penny, The Human Matchmaker

Wired & Over-Tired: Team Check-In Tips & Stress Indicators

The Toll of Job Loss with Nathan Bishop: Identifying and Helping on the Slippery Slide

How to Explain Gaps In Your Employment – Turning a Negative into a Positive

SiteForce Recruitment specialise in labour-hire and permanent recruitment in the construction industry. We are committed to valuing people, safety and well-being, collaboration, trust and, of course – results!

CONNECT with us via our contact page or bookings links on our website if you are looking to recruit, get your dream job, or join our amazing labour force team.

#siteforcerecruitment #recruitment #labourhire #brisbanejobs