Burnout out in the workplace is something I’ve experienced myself. Like a significant portion of UK workers, 79% experiencing moderate to high stress levels. 63% with symptoms of burnout like exhaustion and disengagement. I used to be among the latter percentage, completely drained and exhausted. Until I figured out to manage stress, emotions and not relying on external things. Wellbeing at work is now something I never compromise. It’s a performance enabler, when employees feel safe, supported and energised. The workplace is where we spend most of our time as we’re Human beings with energy rhythms, emotions, and values.
Everyday are not the same and I used to think about what could go wrong instead of what could go right. Like problems with the staff, or with customers, or any other issues I could imagine. I’ve learned to embrace those hard days, as they’re not like most of the time. What I love working in hospitality is the connections I have with customers. I love making new connections with people and that makes me happy. But also being supportive with those I know well.
Performance at what cost?
During my career I’ve seen stressed managers and stressed employees working in hospitality. Shouting and always irritated by anything, whether requests or phone calls. I was not at my ease at all being around these people. I could feel distress and burnout with all the responsibilities they had. Many industries have demanding expectations. We live in a culture where the more we produce, the more valuable we appear. That logic is flawed. What we don’t see in company’s performance reports are the levels of stress, anxiety, disconnection and burnout.
You can be productive and still be unwell. You can be delivering results and still be barely holding it together. So when the inner cost is too high, performance will eventually fall apart too. I used to be so stressed when I started out my career. Because of the unknown and how the day would unfold. I used to put myself pressure on myself by imagining different scenarios. A study from Cornwell University found that 85% of people’s worries never actually happen.
“We suffer more in imagination than in reality” (Epictetus)
Redefining What “High Performance” Really Means
Being a High Performer shouldn’t mean living in survival mode. It means knowing your limits, working with purpose, not pressure. Being focused, not frantic. Leading with clarity and compassion, not out of fear or force. Taking breaks without guilt and finally saying no to what’s not important. Because wellness is one of the 8 forms of wealth money can’t buy according to Robin Sharma. The seven other forms are growth, family, craft, money (of course), community, adventure and service.
It’s about building a life where your energy, mindset and environment support your goals. The high performance sweet spot comes when all 8 wealth areas are nurtured so your energy, focus and creativity stay high long-term.
I recently learned the sad news that a dear colleague of mine passed away. As I read this book wealth money can’t buy, that you cannot replace Human talents when they’re gone. I you fail a business you can start over or doing anything else. But health cannot be compromised or exchanged. Performance is about taking care of oneself. Performance is rest and recovery. It’s relationships and collaboration. It’s clarity and focus. Well, it’s what’s energises us as Humans beings and make us feel fulfilled.
Final Thought: A New Definition of Success
The best performers are not the ones who push the hardest. They’re the ones who’ve learned to pause, realign and protect their inner fire. Performance without wellbeing is a sprint toward burnout. But when we integrate both? That’s where sustainable excellence lives.
Delayed gratification such as scrolling on social is something we’re all addicted in this day and age. Comparing ourselves to others and our focus drifting. Lacking of engagement with our loved ones or at work with our colleagues. I used to be so distracted that I didn’t know what my purpose is. Until I worked on myself to find the answers.
I believe taking care of our health and wellbeing are a must before time’s up. To cherish every moments of our lives. At work, where I spend most most of my time (Like the majority of people), I cherish connections with customers. They’re not only my priority as an employee but I’m led by curiosity about them. Moreover what can I learn or inspiration can I draw from them? Also in being supportive or making a big difference with a kind word when I see someone in a bad mood. Or even with as simple as “How are you?”
Expressing gratitude hundred of times when I charge them creating a ripple effect around me. Because even saying things out loud in a different context you create your reality and your future. You become the person you want to become. Paving the way to success for being grateful.
If you are grateful, I will certainly give you more (Quran 14:7)
