What is the impact of overwork? According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), long working hours are one of the biggest occupational health hazards. And if you do get sick, what might your employer do? Hopefully, they will cover your health insurance costs, but many employees do not have that benefit. Will they send flowers if you are hospitalized or even visit?
Of course, we get ill and may need to go to a hospital for other than work-related reasons but stress from work does have an impact both physically and emotionally. It drains us, it weakens our immune systems. Germs and diseases are around us but if our ability to combat them is lessened, we will get sick.
In working with my coaching clients, I often raise their thoughts about what they can control. What is the voice in your head telling you? Are you working more hours than usual all the time? We all know that once a while, it may be necessary, but should it be the norm? Long hours, after hours, weekends? What’s your motivation? Is it fear of falling behind? Are you afraid of losing your job or appearing uncommitted?
Some of my work is with global companies comprised of varying cultures even within the same employer. These differences are impacted by local cultures and their attitudes towards work. Are your fears rooted in reality or do you need to change the soundtrack playing in your head? Consider speaking to a relative, a friend, a mentor, a coach to get some outside perspective. Look for strategies to help you balance your work and your personal life, avoiding ultimate burnout. Take a careful look at your workload and recalibrate your schedule to spend less time on the tasks that drain you and more time on the responsibilities that are valuable and bring you the most joy.
Some of my clients have stepped away from their positions, moving to others within the same organization or elsewhere. Some have taken demotions to relieve the pressure. But it starts with self-awareness. Have you ever heard of anyone lying on their death bed having regrets of not working more? As the expression goes: “Learn to work smarter, not harder.” Give yourself permission to dial it back.
"Remember that work and life coexist. Wellness at work follows you home and vice versa." —Melissa Steginus