Almost eight months into 2024, many of us are experiencing high levels of exhaustion and a dip in energy as we frantically try to tick things off our ‘To Do’ lists before winding down to the end of the year.
Right now, it feels tough finding a balance between your personal and professional goals; almost like you’re running a race but never seem to cross the finish line.This phenomenon is called mid-year fatigue– a productivity drain that manifests itself through lack of motivation, decline in productivity, job satisfaction, and an overall sense of overwhelm.
If these feelings sound familiar, you might be suffering from something called mid-year fatigue. It manifests as a combination of physical and emotional symptoms, from exhaustion, headaches and flare-ups of pre-existing conditions to anxiety, poor concentration, outbursts and low motivation. Perhaps you find yourself daydreaming frequently or maybe you have no desire to engage with others and, when you do, you’re increasingly irritable. And forget about asking about Lucy’s dog or remembering to greet the friendly lady in the parking lot; even the most minor interactions seem to zap your already depleted energy.
A surprisingly common, yet often overlooked, issue affecting professionals in today’s fast-paced and demanding work environments, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) estimates that around one in three South African employees suffer from burn-out, decline in productivity, job satisfaction and an overall sense of overwhelm.
For employees, managers, employers and teams, it’s crucial to recognise the signs and understand the causes so that you can implement strategies to better cope with everything that work and life throws your way. We’ve devised the following strategies to help you overcome mid-year fatigue and recharge your energy levels, today.
Individuals
1. Prioritise tasks based on urgency and importance. The Eisenhower Matrix is a simple, yet powerful, tool that can help you manage your workload effectively and achieve your goals
2. Discover your chronotype – your sleep–wake patterns – to help schedule your day for optimal productivity. Take this quiz to find yours.
3. If your company leave policy allows, take a Duvet Day, which are days select companies give to allow employees to take leave or time off without prior notice.
4. Block out dedicated time in your calendar (‘Focus time’). Getting things done without distractions will give you a release of dopamine, rewarding you for being productive!
5. Take short and regular breaks during the day. Just like machines need to be rebooted, we function optimally with regular breaks.
6. Take annual leave and disconnect completely from work to recharge and avoid burnout.
Teams
1. Recognise and acknowledge individual and team contributions. People like to feel valued, so acknowledging their efforts motivates them to go over and beyond.
2. Foster a positive and supportive team environment by setting clear expectations and goals.
3. Consider adopting “no meeting days” to allow colleagues to tackle work without interruptions.
4. Limit physical meetings and prioritise virtual meetings or use email for quick updates. If you can say it in an email, it probably doesn’t need a meeting!
Managers
Building on the tips above, managers and employers can play a crucial role in fostering a supportive and empathetic workplace culture and empower employees to thrive. Below are some key strategies:
1. Encourage open communication about workload, stress levels, and mental health concerns. Create a safe space for employees to share their experiences without fear of judgment.
2. Through Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), provide access to confidential counselling and support services to help employees address any personal and professional challenges.
3. Promote work-life balance initiatives, such as flexible work arrangements, wellness programs, and opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation.
4. Emphasize the importance of taking leave and using accrued leave days to recharge and prevent burnout.
5. Lead by example and demonstrate a commitment to work-life balance and mental health by modelling healthy behaviours and setting realistic expectations.
[1] South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG)
