World Mental Health Day: Preventing Burnout and Fostering Wellbeing at Work
As we approach World Mental Health Day on October 10th, here at The View, we’re reflecting on the importance of mental health in our professional lives. This year's theme, ‘It's Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace’ aligns closely with our mission. We believe that a supportive work environment and optimum work-life balance is key to preventing burnout and promoting overall well-being. In this blog, we’ll look at ways to maintain good mental health in the workplace, prevent burnout and ways you can prioritise mental health every day.
Understanding and preventing burnout
In recent years, burnout has become a buzzword in workplace wellness discussions, highlighting the growing awareness of its impact on both individuals and organisations. The World Health Organisation recognises burnout as an occupational phenomenon characterised by feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion, increased mental distance from one's job, and reduced professional efficacy.
After an extended period of stress, burnout can hit suddenly. In order to preserve your energy and motivation, we suggest the following tips to prevent burnout before it takes hold.
Tips to prevent burnout
Set clear boundaries between work and personal life
Practise regular self-care and stress-management techniques
Take frequent breaks throughout the workday
Prioritise tasks and learn to say no to excessive demands
Cultivate a support network of colleagues and friends
Engage in regular physical exercise
Ensure adequate sleep and nutrition
Creating a supportive work environment
Some of the challenges leading to burnout in the modern workplace include a poor working environment, limited autonomy and an imbalance between work and life demands. At The View, we understand that a positive work environment can act as a protective factor for mental health. Here's how we're fostering wellbeing and work-life balance for our community:
1. Flexible hot desking options
Our hot desk facilities allow professionals to work in a structured environment while maintaining the flexibility they need. This setup helps in:
Reducing commute stress
Providing a clear separation between work and home life
Offering opportunities for social interaction
2. Community-focused workspace
Having a sense of belonging and being part of a community is a powerful way to combat isolation and boost mental wellbeing. For remote workers, this can be tricky but it’s not impossible! Read our blog post for useful tips on how to cultivate connections and enhance work life balance when working remotely, both for team members and leaders.
3. Wellness-oriented design
Studies have shown the importance of having natural light and a view of the outdoors for employees. Our workspace is designed with wellbeing in mind, featuring:
Ergonomic furniture
Natural lighting
Quiet zones for focused work
A beautiful view of Malahide marina!
4. Professional development opportunities
We regularly host yoga sessions, workshops and talks on topics such as stress management, productivity, and work-life balance. For a full list of our events, please see our events page.
Promoting well-being and work-life balance
Preventing burnout requires a proactive approach. At The View, we've designed our workspace and services to support effective burnout prevention strategies:
1. A structured workday
Our professional environment helps create a routine, which is crucial for maintaining clear boundaries between work and personal life.
2. Work-life separation
By providing a dedicated workspace away from home, we help our members maintain boundaries between their professional and personal lives.
3. Productivity-enhancing environment
Our well-equipped spaces minimise distractions, reducing stress associated with inefficiency and helping members prioritise tasks effectively.
4. Wellness areas
We provide dedicated spaces for relaxation and socialisation, encouraging regular breaks and self-care practices.
By addressing these key aspects of burnout prevention, The View creates an environment where professionals can thrive, maintain a healthy work-life balance, and significantly reduce their risk of burnout.
Taking action for your mental health at work
While employers play a crucial role in promoting mental health, individuals can also take steps to support their own wellbeing. We recommend incorporating the following self-care practices into your day:
Practice mindfulness and stress-management techniques
Take regular breaks and use our wellness areas
Engage with the community and build supportive relationships
Utilise our flexible workspace options to create a schedule that works for you
Join us in prioritising mental health
This World Mental Health Day, let's commit to creating workplaces that support and nurture mental wellbeing. At The View, we're dedicated to providing an environment where professionals can thrive both personally and professionally. Join us for a special breathwork workshop for World Mental Health Day on Thursday, 10th October, from 7:45am-8:45am in our social space area.
Interested in experiencing our wellness-focused workspace? Contact us to book a tour or learn more about our flexible hot desk memberships.