Discover effective strategies to combat the rising trend of workplace burnout in Ghana and create a healthier, more balanced work environment for all employees.
More than half of Ghanaian workers are experiencing high levels of stress at their jobs everyday, with the country ranked as one of the top 5 most stressful places to work in Africa. This is according to a 2024 state of the global workplace report by Gallup which revealed that up to 60 percent of workers in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ghana, are quietly quitting their jobs. That could go up to as high as 80 percent when added to those who are loud about their intentions to quit.
This disturbing picture of the current state of workplaces across the continent is hugely impacted by several trigger points including, work overload, insufficient breaks and long hours of work, unsafe environments for working, unclear job role, incommensurate remuneration, amongst others.
So which techniques can workers employ to manage job-related stress? Here are a few tips from MentaPulse Africa.
Working to Manage Time
It is important to prioritize your workload by scheduling and allocating specific times for different tasks and committing to sticking to the schedule. This allows you to incorporate regular short breaks to reset and recharge.
Implement Healthy Work Habits
Having a clear definition of work hours helps to plan your tasks to prevent overworking. This means you can set healthy boundaries like avoiding email inbox or work messages during off hours. Keeping your workspace tidy and organized has been found to reduce distractions and improve focus.
Seek Social and Professional Support
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about four in every 10 Ghanaians are experiencing serious psychological distress. Workers who build positive relationships with colleagues and organize support groups to share their experiences and feelings amongst themselves in an open, safe and non-judgemental way can benefit from emotional support and practical help. If stress becomes overwhelming, consider therapy sessions or speak to a mental health professional.
Consider a Healthy Work-Life Balance
You can pursue hobbies and other interests by engaging in activities outside of work that you enjoy to help you relax and recharge. This could include simple things like hanging out with friends, going to the beach, traveling or bigger things like planning and going for vacation. Remember even short breaks can make a big difference.
Conclusion
Addressing work-related stress proactively can improve both individual well-being and organisational performance. Employing a mix of these approaches can assist you in managing it, resulting in improved overall well-being and performance.
