The downsides of overworking

The downsides of overworking
MARY: We are now joined by Rihanna Mannering from our People to People office in Perth to talk about the topic of overworking and the negative effects on it. Hi Rihanna, what can you tell us about overworking?

RIHANNA: Hi Mary, thanks for having me. In a recent report, it was mentioned that in Australia, over 70% of employees are feeling burnt out. The number one cause of burnout was overworking in the first half of this year. With high workloads and the expectation for employees to always be available when working from home, it has made it difficult for employers to mandate staff returning to the office.

MARY: Absolutely. What are some of the common downsides of overworking?

RIHANNA: There are a few. Firstly, decreased productivity and creativity. Overworking without breaks can lead to a downward spiral in terms of productivity and creativity. Secondly, there's diminished work-life balance. Overworking can disrupt the balance between work and personal life, leading to dissatisfaction and resentment. Lastly, there's the impact on mental health. The constant pressure to meet deadlines and perform at a high level can lead to burnout and emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion.

MARY: I see. With many people working from home, there's a blurred line. What steps would you recommend for people to avoid overworking?

RIHANNA: Setting clear boundaries is crucial. Establish boundaries between work and personal life, stick to specific work hours, and try not to work outside of those hours. Additionally, take regular breaks throughout the day to recharge and maintain energy. Lastly, prioritize self-care. Engage in activities that bring joy and relaxation, such as exercise, reading, hobbies, and spending time with loved ones. Mindfulness or meditation can also be beneficial.

MARY: Those are great tips, Rihanna. People often forget the importance of self-care. Thank you for sharing that. And thanks for joining us today.

RIHANNA: My pleasure. It's an important topic, especially in the current work environment.

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Featuring Mary Savova

Season Two
Join Recruitment Expert Mary Savova for the latest insights into the employment and job seeker markets. Explore our hot jobs across Australia and some exciting opportunities abroad in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. This week, Mary is joined by recruitment expert Rianna Mannering to discuss the downsides of overworking, and how can employees can avoid burnout.

About our speaker

Mary Savova is a Senior Consultant specialising in Legal Support recruitment. Outside of legal Mary also assists with recruitment in Sales, Marketing, and Healthcare. Mary has over 4 years’ experience recruiting graduate to senior level and technical positions within key accounts. Together with her experience, her Bachelor of Business, and Major in HR, Mary is able to really understand the needs of a business as well as providing a seamless experience to candidates. Mary was awarded with the RCSA Rising Star Award for 2020 for her contributions to the recruitment and staffing industry.​​

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