The Burnout is Real: Better Balance, Backed by Data

Last month, I applied to speak at SXSW about the importance of a balanced lifestyle, both in the office and beyond the halogen lights. Community voting is open through the end of August, please vote for me here!

There is a growing body of research supporting the significance of work-life balance. According to the American Institute of Stress (2016), stress is costing U.S. businesses $300 billion a year in absenteeism, turnover and lost productivity. Yet many of us become hyper-focused on navigating the corporate jungle gym and forget that the jungle gym is part of the playground.

Taking the time to play and relax, whatever that means to you, allows us to return to work restored with a fresh mindset. This may seem like common sense, but the concept of balance can be much easier to talk about than to implement. In today’s tech-charged, digitally saturated world, rare is the occasion that we completely disconnect from our devices, and our work.

A balanced lifestyle is essential for the general welfare of individuals and for the success of the organizations for which they work. In fact, according to Natural News, maintaining a healthy body and brain is linked to increased work performance, in addition to enhanced memory, creativity, moods, and greater endurance on mental efforts.

It is critical to dedicate energy toward balance, self-care and mindful communication with colleagues. There is a ripple effect here that impacts individual well-being, professional relationships, business decisions and even the bottom line. In short: the burnout is real and deserves our attention.