Commentary: Feeling flat at work after the holidays? These clues signal it’s time for a new job

Many of us were dreading work even before the Christmas break. A December 2022 survey of 100 working adults on LinkedIn showed 60 per cent felt they had worked too much in 2022, while another study showed 46 per cent of Australian employees feel burned out.

The pandemic introduced new stressors into almost every area of our lives. As many of these stressors go on over several years, the risk of burnout increases.

A PSYCHOLOGICALLY SAFE WORKPLACE

In a recent report on mental health and workplace, the Committee for Economic Development Australia noted poor mental health costs the Australian economy around A$70 billion (US$49 billion) a year. Employers should provide a psychologically safe workplace, along with access to mental health support.

Taking regular breaks, creating boundaries to stop work spilling into our personal lives, getting exercise and having other interests outside of work are important to reduce stress.

Taking holidays is also essential. One study found “health and wellbeing improve during vacation, but these positive vacation effects fade out within the first week of work resumption”. Even so, the same researchers noted vacations “may act as buffer against future stressors”.

But an October 2022 survey found 75 per cent of Australians were not taking their annual leave due to workload and financial pressures. This points to a broader issue that isn’t solved by announcing a new employee wellness initiative.