Hey there, fellow trailblazers! Let's talk about something that I work with organisations a lot on lately: burnout.
Yup, that dreaded "B" word that seems to be popping up everywhere these days. You know, the feeling of being perpetually stressed, tired, and just plain over it? Yeah, that one.
It all started back in 2019 when Buzzfeed's Anne Helen Petersen stirred up a storm with her essay dubbing millennials the "burnout generation." Then, the World Health Organization (WHO) chimed in, officially recognising burnout as a global "occupational phenomenon." And just like that, the floodgates opened, and everyone started talking about it.
Now, don't get me wrong; discussing burnout is essential. After all, it's not just a personal issue; it's a business problem too. According to the pros over at the Lancet Commission, mental health disorders, including burnout, could cost the global economy a jaw-dropping $16 trillion by 2030. Yikes!
But here's the thing: while we're all hyper-aware of burnout's impact on our mental health and productivity, there's one area where it's not getting nearly enough attention: the world of sustainability. Yep, you heard me right. How does burnout play out in our quest to save the planet? And more importantly, what can we do about it?
Enter Elissa Goldenberg, the brains behind EG Coaching & Consulting, a pro in the realm of maximising wellbeing and impact for mission-driven individuals and organisations.
So, why is wellbeing such a big deal in the world of mission-driven work? Well, according to Elissa, it all boils down to one thing: we care—a lot. Whether we're fighting climate change, advocating for social justice, or saving endangered species, our hearts are all in. But sometimes, our passion can lead us down a dark path of stress, fatigue, and disillusionment. Been there, done that, got the burnout badge to prove it.
But here's the kicker: burnout isn't just a personal problem; it's a systemic issue too. Think about it: when we're running on empty, our work suffers, our teams suffer, and ultimately, our impact suffers. It's like a domino effect of doom, and ain't nobody got time for that.
So, what can we do to stop the burnout train in its tracks and nurture worplace wellbeing? Well, according to Elissa, it's all about creating a culture of wellbeing—one that's as fierce as our commitment to the cause. That means giving our teams the support they need to thrive, whether it's through flexible work options, peer support networks, or just plain old recognition for a job well done.
But here's the real kicker: it's not just about fancy perks and yoga classe
s (although those are nice too). It's about fundamentally rethinking how we work, how we communicate, and how we show up for each other. It's about weaving well-being into the very fabric of our organisations, so it becomes second nature, not an afterthought.
So, fellow change-makers, let's make a pact. Let's commit to putting our wellbeing front and centre, not just for ourselves but for the planet we're fighting to protect. Because when we take care of ourselves, we're better equipped to take care of the world. And that, my friends, is a revolution worth fighting for.
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