Opinion Editorial by Maleesha Ibrahim, Associate Psychologist at Institute for Counselling and Psychotherapy
In the fast-paced world we live in today, hustle culture has taken over as the rule of the contemporary workplace. This culture emphasizes productivity, ambition, and accomplishment, often neglecting the importance of relaxation, self-care, and work-life balance. We're frequently reminded that success belongs to those who work harder than everyone else, continuously pushing themselves without a break. Initially appearing to be a surefire way to achieve success, it's easy to see why many buy into this philosophy. Isn't it true that the most successful individuals are often the ones who work the hardest? However, with the rise of hustle culture deeply embedded in our work routines and expectations in work environments, it's crucial to ponder— what sacrifices are we making in pursuit of success?
The glorification of being productive at all times and working long hours while striving to exceed expectations has had a detrimental impact on the mental well-being of many individuals. The psychological costs of hustle culture are often overlooked amidst its portrayal of success. However, it leads to increased stress levels, burnout, and a distorted view of maintaining a work-life balance, resulting in employees feeling drained, lacking recognition, and ultimately unhappy.
Hustle culture has its own norms that highlight relentless productivity, competitiveness, and the belief that relaxing is a sign of weakness or a lack of drive. Workers are required to be available, replying to emails late at night, working weekends, and sacrificing personal time to demonstrate their commitment.
This frequently results in a sense of inadequacy for people who constantly strive to stay ahead of the curve. The culture thrives on comparison, where success is measured not by balance or well-being but by who can work the hardest and longest.
When we glorify overworking and undervalue the importance of taking breaks and resting adequately, we unknowingly promote a cycle of anxiety and stress that can significantly harm our mental well-being.
The ongoing demand to stay productive can be draining. Although pushing oneself constantly may increase performance levels in the short run, in the long run, it can have quite damaging consequences. The chronic stress that comes with working long hours without taking breaks often results in burnout—a state of emotional and mental fatigue that leaves individuals feeling drained and disheartened.
Burnout doesn't just affect work performance; it impacts every aspect of life. Prolonged burnout can lead individuals to struggle with fatigue, anxiety, and depression while feeling disconnected from their personal relationships and grappling with self-doubt. The "hustle harder" mentality can make it challenging to prioritize mental health, with many workers afraid that slowing down will be seen as a failure.
The pressure also results in a poor balance between work and personal life when work consumes all our attention and energy. Our relationships suffer neglect, as do our hobbies and self-care routines. This imbalance can leave people feeling unfulfilled and disconnected from what truly matters.
Redefining success is essential to promoting mental health in the workplace, in line with this year's theme for World Mental Health Day. Success is beyond just hours clocked in or productivity levels reached. Instead, we should highlight the significance of well-being, balance, and mental health as essential to success.
We should focus on reshaping the work culture to meet the needs of employees by encouraging a healthy balance between work and personal life. This involves fostering a culture that values rest and offers mental health support at work.
Employers could begin by providing flexible work hours and promoting breaks to cultivate a work environment that fosters open discussions about mental health without fear of criticism or judgment from others. This also means recognizing the value of downtime—workers need time to recharge to maintain productivity and creativity in the long run.
We often overlook the beauty of resting and prioritizing self-care. Rest is not a luxury; it is a necessity. When we allow ourselves the time to rest, we replenish our mental and emotional reserves, fostering creativity and enhancing productivity. Prioritizing self-care is essential for overall well-being, empowering us to return to work with renewed energy and perspective.
Let’s celebrate the power of rest and self-care. By embracing these practices, we create a healthier, more balanced workplace that values people—not just their productivity.
It’s time to rethink hustle culture for our mental well-being, our personal fulfillment, and the future of work.
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