Beyond burnout: The case for rest in a productivity-obsessed world

The 2024 Global Talent Trends report by Mercer, a comprehensive study involving over a massive 12,000 participants globally, including 9,500 employees, 84 investors, 845 C-Suite leaders, and 1,900 HR leaders, delivers a sobering revelation: more than 80% of employees are at risk of burnout this year.
— Forbes, "82% Of The Workforce Is At Risk For Burnout. Here’s What CEOs Can Do"

The burnout epidemic: how society’s obsession with productivity is costing us

The unyielding emphasis on productivity

In today's society, a relentless emphasis exists on constant productivity and ceaseless activity. This cultural mindset pressures individuals to strive relentlessly for more, often at the expense of their well-being. For many, especially those grappling with long COVID or other chronic illnesses, this relentless pace exacerbates profound fatigue and health complications. The solution is not to push harder but to adopt the practice of pacing — strategically balancing periods of activity with necessary rest. Pacing is not merely a beneficial tactic but essential for sustainable health and productivity. It serves as a deliberate countermeasure against a culture that glorifies nonstop work while undervaluing the fundamental human need for rest.

The belief that nothing is ever enough

This societal pressure affects everyone, not just those with chronic conditions. Underlying this relentless drive is a pervasive belief that nothing is ever enough. Society often promotes the idea that one should continuously achieve more — accumulating success, wealth, or status without end. This mirrors the unbounded expansion and superiority ideology, where personal success becomes a relentless pursuit, overshadowing communal well-being. The emphasis shifts to "me, me, me," fostering a mindset where declaring "I'm the best" is not just acceptable but encouraged. This self-centric approach exacerbates the pressure to constantly outperform others and oneself, leading to endless striving without satisfaction. It contributes to individual burnout and undermines communal well-being by placing personal ambition above collective harmony.

The stigma of vulnerability and the culture of silence

Many individuals privately contend with challenges that are neither visible nor publicly acknowledged. In such an environment, admitting vulnerability is often stigmatised as a sign of weakness. This leads to a culture of silence where people suppress their struggles to conform to societal expectations. The emphasis on self-branding and projecting an image of unceasing success discourages open discussions about personal well-being, perpetuating a cycle of overexertion and stress.

Buddhist teachings on balance and rest

A perspective from Buddhist teachings offers a compelling alternative to this prevailing mindset. Buddhism advocates for a balanced approach to life, emphasising that true productivity encompasses diligent work and sufficient rest. This philosophy recognises life as a cyclical process of effort and rejuvenation. By valuing rest as equally important as work, this approach challenges the Western notion that constant activity is synonymous with success. The relentless pursuit of productivity without regard for personal limits is unsustainable and detrimental to individual health and societal well-being.

The consequences of burnout and corporate indifference

Burnout emerges as a critical consequence of this untenable pace. It is not a minor inconvenience but a severe condition that affects an individual's physical, emotional, and mental health. While organisations may acknowledge the importance of employee well-being in principle, their operational focus often remains on maximising profit and efficiency. This can lead to environments where employees are overextended and their personal needs are overlooked. Legalising companies as "persons" does not translate into empathetic corporate behaviour toward individual employees. Instead, the impersonal nature of such entities can contribute to a cycle where overworked individuals may inadvertently propagate stress and dissatisfaction in their interactions with others.

Embracing rest and redefining success

Breaking free from this cycle requires a fundamental shift in how we perceive productivity and success. Recognising and respecting personal limitations is a crucial first step. Rejecting the notion that constant productivity is the highest virtue allows individuals to embrace rest as a vital component of a healthy, balanced life. Rest should not be viewed as a reward for hard work but as an inherent necessity for overall well-being. By adopting pacing as a strategy, individuals can manage their energy effectively, leading to sustained productivity and improved health.

Yes, this is easier said than done.

Societal implications of a balanced approach

Adopting this idealistic balanced approach has broader societal implications. It challenges entrenched values prioritising output over individual well-being and encourages a cultural shift toward more humane and sustainable practices. By valuing rest and acknowledging personal limits, individuals can help break the cycle of overexertion and its associated negative consequences, such as stress, burnout, and interpersonal strain.

Inequality in access to rest and recovery

Furthermore, it's important to recognise that those higher up in the pecking order often have greater access to resources that allow them to replenish, rest, and recover. With their financial means, they can afford time off, wellness services, and other forms of self-care that help mitigate the toll of relentless work demands. This disparity means that while they can buffer themselves against burnout, those lower in the hierarchy may not have the same opportunities. The unequal distribution of resources exacerbates the pressure on individuals expected to maintain an unyielding pace without adequate means for healing. This highlights a systemic issue where one's position and wealth influence the capacity to balance work and rest, further perpetuating inequality within the productivity-driven culture.

Redefining Worth and Contributing to a Healthier Society

Embracing this philosophy affirms that our worth is not tied to our productivity alone. By redefining success to include rest and well-being, we pave the way for a healthier, more compassionate society. We acknowledge ourselves as human beings with complex needs beyond our professional achievements. This shift in perspective promotes a more empathetic and sustainable model of success that values well-being over relentless busyness and recognises people over profit. By prioritising rest and balance, we enhance our lives and contribute to a healthier and kinder society.