IronmongeryDirect is promoting advice for how UK tradespeople can avoid burnout, after research commissioned by the supplier revealed that 84% of tradespeople experience mental health problems due to work-related issues. The advice was published ahead of World Mental Health Day, tomorrow (10 October).
To help tradespeople avoid burning out, the IronmongeryDirect team partnered with Liz Sebag-Montefiore, director and cofounder of the HR consultancy 10Eighty. Liz said: “With burnout, some will be depressed, lethargic and lack motivation. Others will find it difficult to slow down, hard to focus and struggle with priorities.
“Burnout is a state of mental, emotional and physical exhaustion resulting from ongoing or repeated stress. The main characteristic of a burnout is that the person feels that they are not in control of how a job is carried out, nor in control of their workload and autonomy, and this compromises their sense of self.
“Burnout can lead to slip ups, mistakes and accidents. Even the most committed employee who enjoys their work will find that long hours of intense work can lead to serious repercussions – stress, burnout, absenteeism, decreased job satisfaction and poor physical health.
“Try to pace yourself and reward yourself for what you can do. You could try mindfulness to relax and reconnect with self, purpose and wellbeing.
“Take a hard look at your priorities. Get clarity on what really matters. Is there a real deadline? Is it urgent because of who is asking for it? Will it impact productivity or profitability? Where can you adjust, what can you decline, who can help?
“Take breaks. Be sure to use any annual leave and leave work behind when you’re off. Don’t work in your downtime! Try not to check work emails when you are off, and say if you are not contactable.”
To read IronmongeryDirect’s full Mental Health in the Trades report, visit this link. See also this article, published in GGP Magazine, about burnout.
