Profit and Productivity: The Burden on Mental Health

It’s all about the bottom-line and whether you are meeting your targets and KPI’s!

In the corporate world where productivity and profit often reign supreme, we can thank the neoliberal mindset which has become increasingly pervasive in the last few decades. Rooted in the belief that competition and individualism drive success, this approach prioritizes efficiency and profitability above everything else. Not an industry is exempt from the push towards the free market in 2024! And the economic benefits are undeniable. So are the repercussions of this mindset – with the relentless pursuit of productivity taking a significant toll on our mental health.

The Neoliberal Paradigm: A Focus on Profitability Over People

At the heart of the neoliberal agenda is a relentless pursuit of profit and productivity, often at the expense of our health and wellbeing. In this paradigm, success is measured solely in terms of financial gain, with little regard for the human cost. As a result, workplaces become pressure cookers of stress and burnout, where individuals are pushed to their limits in the name of productivity. The relevance of connection, meaning and purpose have become redundant as we strive and compete to achieve a sense of worth, hoping that our sacrifices are worth it for the material possessions we acquire.

The Impact on Mental Health: A Growing Crisis

But, has the neoliberal approach to workplace culture led to a mental health crisis of unprecedented proportions? The relentless pressure to meet unrealistic targets and deadlines leaves workers feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. This is a slippery slope to stress, anxiety, and depression, effecting the way that we think, communicate and relate to others. Moreover, the erosion of job security and the rise of the gig economy exacerbates these issues, leaving workers feeling powerless and insecure in their roles. Taking leave becomes precarious as it is either unpaid or something that needs to be negotiated with the HR department well in advance. God forbid you or a family member gets sick – disaster! So, is it really worth it? Or have we sold our souls to capitalism and the “free” market without acknowledging the longer-term effects it is having on our relationships, family systems, and overall health and wellbeing?

The Culture of Presenteeism: A Recipe for Burnout

Whether we are in the corporate, private or public sector, there is also a pervasive culture of presenteeism, where employers and employees feel pressured to be constantly available, even outside of regular working hours. This expectation of availability blurs the lines between work and personal life, making it increasingly difficult for individuals to switch off and recharge. As a result, burnout becomes a prevalent issue, with workers experiencing physical and emotional exhaustion due to chronic overwork. The burden of this is often felt within families, who have to compensate and sacrifice the need for quality time and connection due to mad work schedules. It would appear that when time is money, and everyone is competing for recognition and success, we hope that the monetary rewards will somehow compensate for suffering we endure.

The Need for Change: Embracing a Human-Centric Approach

In light of the detrimental impact of neoliberal workplace culture on mental health, it is clear that a paradigm shift is desperately needed. Instead of prioritizing profit at all costs, organizations must adopt a more human-centered approach to workplace culture, one that values employee wellbeing as a cornerstone of success. This involves fostering a culture of trust, support, and flexibility, where people feel empowered to prioritize their mental health and a work-life balance. If we are not in a place to influence this sort of organizational change, then we can at least acknowledge the problems for what they are. It is not all just happening in our heads. Stress, anxiety and depression is not merely a result of a chemical imbalance. We are responding to an out of whack system that has prioritized the ying at the expense of the yang. And NO, it would appear that most of us cannot buy the yang with the ying. We must look deeper into our human needs and acknowledge that money is just as important as connection, rest, play, creativity, meaning and purpose.

Creating a Positive Workplace Culture: Practical Steps Forward

To cultivate a positive workplace culture, we can take several practical steps. This includes promoting open communication and transparency, looking into flexible work arrangements, and fostering a culture of lifestyle balance and self-care. By prioritizing our wellbeing and creating a supportive work environment, we can start to cultivate resilience and boost morale. If this is not something that is being fostered by management, then we as employees must start taking matters into our own hands. We are not machines! We are not failing or losing by making family, rest, play, and creativity a priority. And maybe we need to start looking at our spending habits and expenses too, trusting that we don’t need to have all the latest gadgets and mod cons to prove our worth. Less is sometimes more!

Conclusion: Towards a Brighter Future

The neoliberal approach to workplace culture has undoubtedly had a profound impact on our mental health, leading to increased levels of stress, burnout, and anxiety. By recognizing the inherent flaws in this mindset and embracing a more human-centered approach, we can pave the way towards a brighter and more sustainable future.

You are important.

With love,

Sarah x