Stress and anxiety experienced at work can very often lead to extreme pressure, to a point that workers may begin to feel worn out, empty and exhausted. To tackle exhaustion and to prevent burnout, companies like LinkedIn and Bumble have taken a step towards finding a supposed solution.
In an attempt to avoid a “collective breakdown” and to fight work-related stress, these organisations have given their working staff a paid week off, known as a “burnout break”. This break comes as an opportunity to cut off from work and recover from the anxieties and frustration that comes with it.
But will burnout breaks be enough? While some feel that burnout breaks are a decent enough solution, others feel that it is a temporary fix. Because once the break has ended, everything will go back to square one and the endless cycle will begin all over again.
According to Fehmidah Munir, Professor of Health Psychology at Loughborough University, there is a need to come up with a more "systematic and comprehensive approach." The aim is to do away with the problems of extra workload, organise support for the ones who are suffering and also provide rehabilitation for those on long-term leave.
Companies need to look at the bigger and complete picture which includes not just policies but also a comfortable work culture that looks after the well-being of both the employers and the employees.
Also Watch: Toxic workplaces can increase risk of depression by 300%: Study