One third of Canadian professionals are reporting burnout. Here’s why.

In a recent poll, Canadian employees point to overwork, understaffing and a toxic workplace in their feelings of burnout.

As professionals, we often find ourselves navigating a delicate balance between workload and well-being, and understanding the art of prioritization and delegation is key to achieving that balance.

We work with hundreds of finance professionals every year and here are some of our observations and recommendations for managing stress and increasing productivity.

The “Eisenhower Matrix,” a respected tool in time management, is a good resource to consult if you’re looking to maximize your effectiveness while managing stress. By categorizing tasks based on their importance and urgency, it helps you to make informed decisions, ensuring that your energy is directed toward tasks that truly matter. If you regularly use this matrix, you might find an approach to workload management that not only enhances efficiency but also mitigates the feeling of being stretched too thin.

Self-care and the idea of unplugging are also crucial. In a professional landscape that often glorifies constant connectivity, taking time off is not a luxury but a fundamental requirement for restoring mental and emotional strength. A resilient professional is one who recognizes the relationship between performance and well-being.

Balancing flexibility with routines can also become the cornerstone of a work culture that champions both professional achievements and mental well-being. Flexibility allows for adaptability while routines provide the necessary structure to ensure a sense of stability and predictability in our daily lives.

We’re one month into 2024, so let’s focus on small steps to prioritize mental wellbeing this year. It’s not about radical changes, but rather a conscious effort to focus on what matters most.