Surviving the Fiscal Frenzy

As the end of the Australian financial year quickly approaches, employees often find themselves caught in a whirlwind of deadlines, long hours, and heightened stress levels. Amidst the hustle and bustle of meeting targets and other business-as-usual obligations, it's crucial for individuals to prioritise their mental and physical wellbeing. Here are some practical strategies for us to care for our wellbeing during this busy period:

1.????? Managing Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life to prevent exhaustion and burnout. Communicate with managers about personal responsibilities outside of work and negotiate realistic expectations for workload and availability during busy periods. Engage with your family, too, about the added pressure you may experience during this period.

2.????? Leader Support: Managers play a crucial role in supporting their employees' wellbeing during busy periods. They can demonstrate empathy and understanding, actively listen to employees' concerns, and offer flexible work arrangements or additional support as needed. Managers should prioritise regular check-ins with their team members to assess workload and stress levels, provide constructive feedback, and ensure that employees feel valued and supported throughout the EOFY period.

3.????? Understanding Colleagues' Responsibilities: Recognise that colleagues may have different personal responsibilities outside of work, leading to varying levels of availability and capacity. Practice empathy and understanding towards others' circumstances while maintaining open communication and collaboration.

4.????? Recognising Signs of Stress: Be vigilant for signs of excessive stress, such as increased irritability, fatigue, or difficulty concentrating. While some level of stress is normal during busy periods, it's essential to recognise when stress levels become overwhelming and take proactive steps to manage them (point 5).

5.????? Managing Client Expectations: Set clear and achievable expectations with clients regarding deliverables, timelines, and communication channels. Communicate openly about any constraints and potential delays, prioritising transparency and professionalism in client interactions.

6.????? Practicing Healthy Behaviours: Prioritise self-care by avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, maintaining regular physical activity, and nourishing your body with a healthy diet. Whatever you do to psychologically detach from the pressures of life e.g. watching your favourite streaming channel, reading, playing music or catching up with friends, try to do more of it.

7.????? Seeking Support: Connect with support from colleagues, managers, or mental health professionals if you're feeling overwhelmed or struggling to cope. Remember that seeking support proactively and early can make a big difference to your wellbeing and performance.

So, whilst the end of the Australian financial year may bring increased pressure and demands, it is vital to prioritise our wellbeing amidst this busyness. By setting boundaries, recognising signs of stress, managing client expectations, practicing healthy behaviours, and seeking support when needed, individuals can navigate the busy period with resilience and maintain their overall wellbeing.

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