How to recognise toxic productivity, and what to do about it
How to recognise and tackle toxic productivity
- Toxic productivity – the need to be productive at all times, even at the expense of your health – is on the rise, fuelled by hustle culture and social media.
- It is strongly linked to workplace burnout, which according to a survey of 1,020 people is experienced by more women than men.
- Signs of burnout include feeling like every day is the same, loss of excitement over activities an individual previously enjoyed, reduced capacity for non-work activities, and emotional numbness.
- To combat toxic productivity, individuals should identify activities that give their life meaning, focus on their strengths, set boundaries, and prioritise fewer projects, experts say.
- Redefining success and focusing on well-being rather than striving for an elusive "balance" is crucial, acknowledging life's natural rhythms and allowing for periods of rest and rejuvenation.
