Are you over-functioning for your workplace?

''Caring for your body, mind, energy and spirit is your greatest and grandest responsibility. It's about listening to the needs of your soul and then honouring them.'' - Kristi Ling

Earlier this week, I overhead a concerning conversation in a workplace where I was delivering training.

As I stepped into the lift, two colleagues were discussing the fast-approaching Easter break. ''Are you planning any time off besides the public holidays?'' one asked. The response was a weary shake of the head, ''Absolutely not, I'm overwhelmed with projects, and we're about to onboard two new team members. The idea of taking even the public holidays off is making me anxious.''

It was both startling and disheartening to hear. Our lives, mirroring the pace of 'fast food' rush us through a cycle of professional duties, personal relationships, and life's unexpected challenges, often leaving us feeling swamped and fatigued.

Juggling this myriad of responsibilities comes with its challenges, notably the pervasive myth that we must always prioritise the workplace’s need before our own. This renders self-care an elusive luxury, rather than a necessity.

Too often, we fall into the trap of excessive selflessness, feeling under significant pressure to equate personal depletion with effective professionalism. This not only endangers our health but also diminishes our ability to support those around us. Furthermore, the conventional narrative surrounding our professional roles idolises sacrifice and resilience, frequently at the cost of our own well-being, pushing us to disregard our own needs.

Balancing care for others and care for self

The overheard work conversation, though simple, sheds light on the critical balance we must achieve between serving the workplace and others and caring for ourselves—a key principle for a sustainable professional life.

Neglecting our own needs for too long amplifies the risk to our health, well-being, and professional life. While the concept of leading others is familiar, leading oneself can transform our approach, ensuring we balance our own requirements with those of the people we support. Seeking professional excellence often means looking outward, yet we must also strive to focus inward and be exemplary leaders for ourselves.

What is an under-functioning workplace?

In many healthcare settings, we can find ourselves caught in a cycle of over-functioning, tirelessly stepping in to bridge the gaps left by an under-functioning workplace. This dynamic can emerge from a variety of systemic issues, such as insufficient staffing, inadequate resources, workforce shortages or unrealistic expectations.

As we push ourselves to cover these shortfalls, they inadvertently set a precedent that sustains the imbalance, reinforcing a culture where over-reliance on individual heroics becomes the norm rather than the exception. This not only puts immense pressure on us, risking burnout and affecting well-being, but also detracts from fostering a supportive environment where every team member feels empowered to contribute effectively.

Encouraging a shift towards a more balanced approach requires acknowledging these patterns, investing in resources, and cultivating a culture of shared responsibility, where the focus is on building a resilient and adaptive team that thrives on collaboration rather than individual sacrifice.

Addressing the issue of healthcare professionals over-functioning in an under-functioning workplace involves a multi-faceted approach that encourages systemic change and a shift in workplace culture. I know there are no easy answers to this dilemma. This is no easy process. But the first step must be recognising it, acknowledging, and discussing it.

What can we do when we’re over-functioning for an under-functioning workplace?

When employees find themselves in a workplace that expects them to over-function, navigating this challenging environment requires a combination of self-care, assertiveness, and strategic action.

Here are some steps employees can take to address the situation while preserving their wellbeing:

1. Assess Your Boundaries: Start by assessing your own boundaries. Acknowledging our boundaries is a crucial aspect of self-care and respect. It involves recognising our limits, valuing our time and energy, and carving out space for balance and well-being amidst our busy schedules. Being clear about your limits is crucial in managing expectations.

2. Prioritise Self-Care: Emphasise the dimension of self-care. It's essential to maintain your physical, emotional, and mental health to manage stress effectively. This includes regular breaks, healthy eating, exercise, and adequate rest, as well as engaging in activities that deeply replenish and rejuvenate you. I have some links below to some free webinars I have done on this.

3. Seek Supervision and support: Use professional supervision to reflect on this challenge and see how this creates opportunities to learn and develop. For some of us, this may mean setting better boundaries, for some the skills of managing up, and for others, being assertive. Discussing your challenges with others can provide you with new perspectives and coping strategies.

4. Communicate Effectively: Develop a strategy for communicating your concerns and boundaries to your leaders. Articulate the way in which the role expectations are beyond what is viable in the hours of work and express how the expectation to over-function impacts your work and wellbeing. Be prepared with examples and suggest practical solutions or compromises.

5. Develop Self-Management Skills: Enhancing your self-management skills can help you better handle workload challenges. This includes time management, prioritisation, and the ability to say no to additional tasks that go beyond your capacity.

6. Explore Internal Opportunities: Look for opportunities within the organisation that may be more aligned with your values and expectations for work-life balance. Sometimes, moving to a different department or role can provide a fresh start.

7. Prepare to Move On: If the situation does not improve despite your efforts, consider seeking opportunities elsewhere. Your wellbeing and professional growth are paramount, and there may be other organisations that offer a more balanced and supportive environment.

8. Seek Professional Guidance: If the situation is impacting your mental health, consider seeking support from a mental health professional. They can provide strategies to manage stress and make decisions about your career path.

Remember, while it's admirable to be committed to your work, it's equally important to maintain your health and wellbeing. Finding a balance is key to sustaining your career and personal life in the long term.

Striving for a balance between self-care and the care of our colleagues and teams, while fostering psychologically safe work environments, is essential. We must encourage, cultivate, and prioritise well-being. By setting an example, we can nurture a culture of empathy, understanding, and support. Together, we can reshape the definition of success in our workplaces, placing importance not just on achievements but also on how we look after ourselves and each other.

As the Easter break nears, reflecting on the work conversation that sparked this discussion, let's remind ourselves: if I'm not recognising and honouring my own self-care, how can I recognise and honour yours?