Welcome back to this week's edition of our newsletter!

We’ve got that start of term feeling but this time we want to enter into September looking after our well-being and helping you think about yours too. So this week we are taking the time to focus on burnout.

As the lines between work and home life continue to blur, if we don’t consciously adapt to our new normal the risk of burnout looms larger than ever.

We've curated a selection of thought-provoking articles that not only define the contours of burnout but also offer actionable insights for both employees and employers. From the future of work to the concept of human sustainability, we're covering all the angles to help you navigate this complex landscape. Let's dive in:

The Hidden Toll of Burnout: A Deep Dive

In her enlightening LinkedIn post, Claire Lowson of SuperMenopause delves into the often-overlooked issue of burnout - shedding light on its far-reaching consequences for both physical and mental health. She underscores the urgency of early recognition and proactive stress management as key steps in mitigating its impact.

What strikes us about Claire's post is its timely relevance. In a world where the boundaries between work and personal life are increasingly blurred, the topic of burnout has never been more pertinent. Her post serves as a crucial wake-up call for both individuals and organisations to reevaluate their priorities and take actionable steps to foster well-being. It's not just about productivity; it's about creating a sustainable work environment that values human health and happiness.

The Rising Tide of Global Employee Stress: A Gallup Study

Gallup's "State of the Global Workplace" report reveals alarming statistics about employee stress levels worldwide. According to the study, 44% of employees reported experiencing a significant amount of stress the previous day, marking the second consecutive year that worker stress has reached record levels.

While the pandemic has undoubtedly exacerbated stress, the report notes that employee stress has been on the rise for over a decade. Interestingly, Gallup identifies managers as having an outsized influence on the stress levels of their employees, which serves as a compelling reminder for organisations to reevaluate their management practices, invest in employee well-being initiatives, but also make sure that there is a deeper understanding of all things wellbeing in the workplace. Read more

The Future of Work: The Real Meaning of Well Being

In a thought-provoking TEDxMiami talk, Jen Fisher (shared by Susana David) delves into the need to truly understand what burnout means - how it looks, and how it can impact your day to day working life, without it having the necessary recognition.

What stands out in Jen's discussion is her statement "I often felt, cancer was easier than burnout". Why? Because it's visible, medically diagnosed and understood by all. This triggers a call to challenge the conventional work models - burnout won't be fixed by a 'in office yoga class'... It's not merely about surviving the changes but thriving amidst them by embracing new possibilities. The talk serves as a compelling invitation to reframe our understanding of what burnout is, what work could and should look like and an urge to move away from rigidity and towards a more fluid, adaptable, sustainable approach to the workplace.

Human Sustainability: The New Frontier in Well-Being

We got pretty inspired by Jen Fisher and her Ted X Talk (who wouldn't be?) and found another post of hers (here) which introduces us to the "Human Sustainability Hub" from Deloitte, which is full of resources and insights aimed at fostering holistic well-being at work. But this isn't just another corporate wellness initiative; it's a rallying cry for organisations to invest in the complete well-being of their employees!

Fisher's approach goes beyond mere physical health, encompassing mental, emotional, social, and even financial well-being. The aim is to create a sustainable work environment that nurtures every facet of human health. This initiative, featured on Thrive Global, challenges traditional notions of employee well-being, urging us to see it as a comprehensive investment in human capital. Amazing to see!

Navigating the Perils of Work-From-Home Burnout: A Forbes Insight

Whenever burnout is discussed in the workplace, we are always thinking about the office environment - or at least, WE are. However, Forbes contributor Ashley Stahl delves into the increasingly prevalent issue of work-from-home burnout.

The article identifies the blurred lines between personal and professional life as a key contributor to this particular form of burnout. Stahl suggests that the absence of a physical boundary between work and home life can lead to a mental overlap, causing stress and exhaustion. The piece offers practical cures, such as setting clear boundaries and taking time for self-care, to help individuals manage this new form of occupational hazard. The article serves as a timely guide for both employees and employers to navigate the complexities of remote work while prioritising well-being. Read more

In The Loves Corner:

It's Jules here this week, and talking of burnout, it's been a tough old week here at We are The Loves HQ. In the space of 24 hours last weekend, Emma tested positive for covid and could barely get out of bed, I fell over on my morning run and split my head open, and a few hours later my Dad was rushed to hospital with an infected gall bladder. To top it all off we had a final project deadline for our biggest client coming up later in the week.

Between visiting my Dad in hospital, caring for my Mum who can't live on her own, trying to look after Emma while she continued to diligently toil at the laptop from her bed, and putting untold the hours into the final presentation, things got close to breaking point. The contrast with the previous week could not be more stark - we went to a fairytale family wedding in Italy and then switched off for a few days in the impossibly picturesque village of Manarola in the Cinque Terre. So it's important to remember that just because things are plain sailing today, a tempest can be brewing right around the corner. So take that downtime when you get the chance, and don't feel guilty about it.