Work stress arises from the perception that we have little control over the job but lots of demands or high exacting expectations. “Work-related stress doesn’t just come from the amount of work you do. It also comes from stressors like dealing with people issues, juggling your work with your personal life, or a lack of job security.” That is a quote from Liz Wiseman in “Is Your Burnout From Too Much Work or Too Little Impact?”* According to research by the American Institute of Stress, 46% of the stress experienced at work is from the workload; 28% from people issues; and 20% from having to juggle work and personal life. Although it accounts for 6%, the lack of job security can cause a high degree of work stress. Make showing up for work less stressful by eschewing politics, drama and being easy to work with.
If you are starting 2022 feeling like it is going to be a long year, hang on. Our natural reaction would be to assume that we need to lessen our workload. But research suggests that burnout is not always a function of too much work; it can be the result of too little impact. When the work we do has a large proportion of routine, mechanical work that does not engage our interest, imagination nor meaning, it creates boredom. Over time, this boredom can lead to burnout, especially when the work is voluminous and tedious.
It is a mistake to take on less work if the nature of the work remains lacking in challenge and satisfaction. So, taking a four-day week or shortened workdays would not reduce burnout. Artists often forget the time they spend hard at work when they are “in the zone”; likewise, being deeply engaged at meaningful work can be energy-generating rather than draining. Ending a day of fulfilling work adds to your sense of satisfaction with the time invested and this makes you a happier person.
Try starting 2022 by looking for meaningful work. Try taking on a role which challenges or a role where you can exercise leadership. We do not have to wait to be promoted to lead. Look for leadership vacuums in everyday moments. And take the initiative to lead-in.