Beyond the Workplace: Unravelling the Complex Roots of Burnout and Tragedy

The tragedy: Whose burden, is it?

When I first heard the tragic news of a young life lost, my immediate thought was: could there have been an undiagnosed health condition contributing to this heart attack? While I might face criticism for such speculation, it leads me to wonder what motivated her to work so relentlessly for the four months that preceded her death. What dreams was she pursuing? What promised land was she striving toward?

Consider, another young man I know, a cost accountant and chartered accountant who recently left EY. It was his first job, his dream job! He often left home at 7 a.m. to clock in by 9 a.m., only to return late—sometimes not until 1 or 1:30 a.m. This grueling schedule, he recognized, was unsustainable. He questioned the cost at which he was fulfilling his need for status and money. He resolved to make healthier choices, understanding that while working for a prestigious firm was a dream, the greater goal was to live a balanced life.

His willingness to diverge from the crowd—even if it meant marginalization—was a choice he made for himself. However, this path is not for everyone. Many of us feel compelled to conform to the elite club of “successful” people whose success stories are retold by the society and held up as ideals.

The vicious cycle: Peeling the various layers

The "drive" culture doesn’t originate solely within organizations; it permeates every aspect of society. It begins in our schools and homes, where parents enroll their children in rigorous preparatory courses from a young age. I am told that kids start prep for IIT or other competitive exams from class 7th or 8th! In fact, I believe that the quest for super achievement starts even earlier, as parents seek schools known for producing "super achievers." But what drives this relentless pursuit of success?

According to McClelland's theory, high achievers tend to be moderate risk-takers who embrace innovative tasks, operate from an internal locus of control, and take responsibility for their decisions. In contrast, low achievers often gravitate toward easier, low-risk tasks to avoid failure or embarrassment. This raises an important question: is it inherently wrong to be risk-averse and choose a path of moderation? Why is high achievement celebrated while lower achievement is often devalued? Who decided that everyone must strive to be a high achiever?

A study from 1982 highlights this tension, showing that the connection between high achievement and success is strong at lower management levels, where promotions are typically based on individual contributions. Yet, as one ascends to leadership roles, the definition of success shifts dramatically. At this level, the focus should be less on personal accolades and more on the ability to inspire and uplift others. This disparity emphasizes the need to rethink our notions of success and recognize the value of diverse contributions, including those that prioritize well-being and sustainable practices. By acknowledging that not everyone must fit the mold of a high achiever, we can create a healthier work culture that values balance over relentless competition.

Unfortunately, many individuals promoted to leadership roles fail to make this critical shift. Instead of inspiring their teams, they perpetuate a culture of relentless driving, resulting in increased work pressure and toxicity. Ironically, to mitigate this pressure, organizations implement HR initiatives aimed at promoting work-life balance. Yet, many employees find these activities burdensome, leading to an even greater sense of stress.

This cycle is vicious and self-perpetuating. Children often inherit the dreams of their parents, who have, in turn, sacrificed their own aspirations to fulfill familial expectations. As a result, individuals internalize societal norms and symbols of success, mistaking them for the only path to relevance and significance.

In my role as an organizational development consultant, I engage with a diverse array of individuals across various sectors, from large corporations to NGOs. A common theme emerges: team members often make assumptions about what their leaders expect from them. Even when encouraged to leave on time, many stay late, believing it will demonstrate their commitment. Sometimes, this is simply to avoid the hassle of commuting during peak hours. Who, then, bears the blame for the pressure stemming from skewed developmental opportunities wherein everyone rushes to the metro cities for jobs and inadequate infrastructure?

The skewed development across India complicates the landscape of achievement and burnout. Job opportunities are primarily concentrated in metropolitan areas, drawing many young professionals into these competitive environments. This migration intensifies the pressure to excel, as the competition for limited roles becomes fierce.

Additionally, inadequate infrastructure in these metros exacerbates stress. Long commutes, poor public transportation, and overcrowded housing contribute to an already challenging work-life balance. Many find themselves caught in a relentless cycle where the pursuit of success is overshadowed by the daily grind of navigating chaos. To cultivate healthier work environments, we must address these systemic challenges, too.

Professional compulsions:

Young professionals feel compelled to match the relentless pace set by their peers, often at the expense of their well-being. The dream of success in a metropolitan area can overshadow more sustainable paths available elsewhere, reinforcing the idea that only those who hustle tirelessly are worthy of recognition.

Furthermore, the health and fitness dimension are often overlooked in the context of relentless professional demands. Fitness goals are frequently dictated by industry benchmarks, ignoring the fact that each individual requires a tailored approach to health and wellness. In an environment where success is equated with high performance, many people feel pressured to conform to unrealistic fitness standards.

At social gatherings, I often observe individuals indulging in excessive food and alcohol, only to overcompensate later with extreme workouts. This unhealthy cycle, devoid of moderation, not only undermines their well-being but can also lead to serious health issues, including gym-related fatalities and chronic fatigue. The relentless pursuit of a "perfect" body can become just another source of stress, further exacerbating the pressures of an already demanding lifestyle.

Recognizing the need for a more balanced approach to health is crucial. By promoting customized fitness regimens and encouraging moderation, we can help individuals cultivate a healthier relationship with their bodies—one that prioritizes overall well-being rather than just adhering to societal expectations. This shift is essential in creating a sustainable work culture that values both professional success and personal health.

Other Contributing factors:

In addition to organizational influences, several factors contribute to burnout and its severe consequences. The impact of technology, particularly remote work and constant connectivity, blurs the lines between personal and professional life, making it difficult to disconnect. Cultural expectations and family pressures further amplify stress, particularly in competitive societies like India. Additionally, mental health awareness is crucial; stigma surrounding mental health can prevent individuals from seeking the support they need. Leadership also plays a vital role in creating a healthy work environment, as effective policies can prioritize employee well-being over relentless productivity. Finally, holistic approaches to wellness that integrate mental, physical, and emotional health are essential for fostering sustainable success.

In conclusion, while organizations play a significant role in fostering cultures that contribute to burnout, the roots of this issue run much deeper. It begins with societal expectations, cultural pressures, and personal choices, intertwining to create a relentless drive for success. To address early burnout and tragic outcomes like Anna's, we must look beyond the organizational level, recognizing the broader societal influences—such as technological impacts, mental health stigma, and family expectations—that shape our lives. Change requires a collective effort to redefine success, prioritize well-being, and cultivate environments where individuals can thrive—not just survive. By integrating holistic wellness approaches and emphasizing the responsibility of leadership, we can create a more balanced and supportive framework for all.

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