Lunch Is For Wimps?
A Glassdoor survey has revealed that forty per cent of UK employees would like to reduce their working hours by not taking a lunch break. Seven in ten UK employees say...
Read Full ArticleIn this article contributed by Forest Holidays, we look at why burnout has become a regular occurrence and the impact this work-related syndrome has on families.
In 2017, it was reported that 1 in 10 adults had difficulty unwinding in the evenings and on weekends. However, most people don’t realise they are really burnt out until it’s too late - they then need to deal with eliminating the symptoms while also having to combat the stresses that triggered it in the first place.
Key factors leading to burnout:
High workload.
Unclear job expectations.
Conflicts at work.
Lack of managerial support.
Work/life imbalance.
Stressful working environment.
48-hour weeks
Figures from the TUC have revealed that, since 2001, the number of employees working 48-hour weeks has risen by a quarter of a million to three million, while half a million British workers suffered from work-related stress in 2018, with 44% saying it was due to workload.
Burnout
The World Health Organisation defines burnout as a syndrome resulting from prolonged workplace stress, which has been poorly managed.
The impact of work on modern families
Over three-quarters of parents (78%) admit to putting in extra hours to try and get ahead of their work, with almost 50% stating the most significant impact of this overspill is the inability to increase family quality time, followed closely by a negative effect on their relationship with their partner.
With the use of technology continuing to rise, research shows that families are spending more time ‘alone-together’ – meaning they’re in the same house but separately. Studies on the topic have revealed, overall, ‘alone-together’ time has risen by 43%, demonstrating families are often engaging with devices instead of each other.
Regaining the balance
Further research shows that nearly two-thirds of British families spent fewer days out together in recent years compared to 20 years ago, even though having close relationships have proven to help reduce stress.
Advice - initiate a digital detox
Data shows that around 7 in 10 people recognise the benefits of lowering their screen time, and 8 in 10 find having a digital detox liberating, despite having FOMO (the fear of missing out). Setting technology-free days or only using the phones or sending emails during certain times, can help to quickly achieve a relaxed period.
Work remotely
There has been a huge shift in the modern workplace as employers become more accepting of flexible and remote working options. Research shows 71% of flexible users become more engaged at work, while around 40% of employees believe work distraction could also be drastically reduced with flexible and remote working options.
Spend more time outdoors
Spending time outdoors can have a positive effect in a variety of ways including:
Boosting moods and fighting anxiety – research shows that being in nature for just 20 minutes will lower stress hormones, such as cortisol levels.
Better mental health – walking has been proven effective in reducing anxiety and depression and further evidence suggests walking in nature improves this further because different parts of our brains activate in nature.
Eliminate fatigue – studies indicate that people’s mental energy bounces back just by looking at images of nature, while pictures of cities did not.
Getting vitamin D – an essential vitamin for a well-functioning body, helping to absorb calcium, preventing osteoporosis and reducing inflammation among other things. More than 90% of our vitamin D comes from casual exposure to sunlight.
Picture: Alone-together time is on the increase because of tech.
With thanks to forestholidays.co.uk
Article written by Brian Shillibeer | Published 24 July 2019
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