IS THERE LIFE BEYOND WORK? THE GROWING TREND OF PEOPLE GIVING IN TO THE EXCESSES OF PROFESSIONAL LIFE

With the evolution of digital technologies and increasing connectivity, the line between personal and professional life is becoming increasingly blurred, transcending mere time management. The rising demand for professional visibility on social media platforms such as LinkedIn and YouTube extends beyond professional validation alone; it has become crucial for dynamic knowledge exchange and ongoing updates in respective fields. Active participation in these networks not only keeps professionals visible but also connects them to a vast ecosystem of learning and opportunities.

However, it’s increasingly common for professionals to seek assistance in handling the pressure of maintaining a robust and constantly updated digital presence, a crucial requirement for professional validation. In the race for visibility, recognition, and some form of digital influence, many professionals find themselves trapped in an incessant cycle of exposure and comparison, seeking validation that paradoxically seems increasingly elusive.

Indeed, social media presence and the need to maintain a digital image are crucial aspects of the modern professional world. The main question is how to deal with it. This pressure for visibility and recognition can lead to excesses and a constant “chasing” loop of validation. In other words, this dynamic illustrates how the digital world is essential in building professional identity and perception of success. However, it also brings significant challenges, such as the difficulty of balancing personal and professional life and the tendency to get lost in the traps of digital noise.

The boundary between personal and professional life becomes progressively fluid, resulting in constant tension between individual aspirations and the need to meet the expectations of the digitized work environment. Today, I want not only to explore the visible symptoms of stress and exhaustion caused by these pressures but also to demonstrate the deep-rooted causes that feed physical and mental burnout in a context of digital overload.

My aim here is to go beyond examining real cases and insights. I want to understand the relationship between this dynamic and burnout and propose practical strategies to restore a healthy balance between professional and personal life. By highlighting the challenges faced by modern professionals, I intend to offer perspectives that not only inform but also inspire significant changes in how we understand and manage our professional and personal lives in an increasingly connected and demanding world.

There is life beyond work: why are more and more people willing to succumb to the excesses of professional life?

In the book “Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked,” Adam Alter explores how modern technology has not only transformed our lives but also redefined the boundaries between work and leisure. Alter helps us understand how the constant demand for digital connection and visibility on social media has become an omnipresent reality. In the professional context, this need to maintain a robust and constantly updated online presence is not just a choice but often an obligation that shapes the perception of success and professional relevance.

However, the pressure to remain visible and engaged online creates a vicious cycle of continuous validation. Absence or inadequacy on digital platforms can result in missing out on important conversations and career opportunities. This dynamic not only intensifies the stress and anxiety associated with professional life but also compromises the quality of personal life, making it challenging to establish clear boundaries between work and necessary moments of disconnection for emotional and mental well-being.

In exploring the complexities of this increasingly prevalent paradigm, it is essential to consider not only the visible symptoms of digital overload but also the profound implications for personal health and happiness. Despite often focusing on sharing relevant content and maintaining an online presence, it is crucial to recognize the excesses that can arise in this process.

A striking example is Adriano, a client and friend who sought help shortly before the pandemic for Cognitive Behavioral Development work. His goals included improving communication and leadership skills. Adriano, an experienced engineer and project manager, struggled to express his ideas clearly and effectively, especially when leading his team. Committed to his personal and professional development, Adriano immersed himself deeply in exercises to enhance his interpersonal skills.

Following the program, Adriano not only continued to refine himself but also expanded his digital presence, creating consistent content for his social networks such as educational videos, detailed articles, and interactions with his audience. However, over two years of relentless dedication, Adriano began to perceive a disheartening reality.

Recently, he approached me again, this time to discuss deep emotional issues that arose from his pursuit of digital validation. Adriano expressed frustration with the feeling that his efforts to stand out online did not result in the career advancements he expected. He asked me, “Why Marcello, do I continue to waste so much time creating content and making posts online?”

The relentless pursuit of digital recognition began to negatively affect his self-esteem and work motivation. The time spent between the office and home recording and writing texts became a burdensome task. What initially seemed like a promising strategy for professional and personal development turned into a source of anxiety and hopelessness for Adriano. He found himself confronted with the reality that, despite all his efforts to shine digitally, his expectations were not being met as he had hoped.

This case is not isolated. Many professionals face similar challenges when trying to balance the need for online visibility with personal and professional well-being. The pressure to always be present and active on social media can create an exhausting cycle of constant validation. This phenomenon not only increases stress and anxiety but also makes it difficult to maintain healthy boundaries between work and personal life.

What Went Wrong?

What went wrong in Adriano’s example? The answer is: purpose. In my experience as an Organizational Human Behavioral Developer, I perceive there is a fundamental issue for those striving to be present on social media: understanding the true purpose of this effort and how it relates to the core activity, which is the work itself. Unless the purpose is to integrate work into content production, for instance, it’s crucial to distinguish between these aspects.

What I mean is that there’s a difference between Adriano and myself, for example. Part of my work involves sharing knowledge, an activity that not only demonstrates mastery and ongoing education in the field but also helps attract clients. Almost all the content of articles, texts, and videos I produce on my blog and channel stems from questions and requests from my clients, former clients, and followers. This contrasts with Adriano’s situation, who may have become lost in maintaining an active online presence without a clear purpose beyond gaining visibility and interactions.

One of the biggest mistakes someone can make when trying to build their reputation, create an audience, showcase their work, and co-create knowledge is turning a tool meant for knowledge exchange into a race for competitiveness, numbers, and likes. It’s essential that social media use is driven by a clear purpose aligned with professional and personal goals, transforming it into a means of growth rather than a source of stress and frustration.

In other words, the strategic use of social media to share knowledge and attract clients is counter to Adriano’s use. At some point, Adriano lost himself between maintaining an active network and making his activities dependent on numbers, whether views or likes. This distinction needs to be clear; otherwise, there’s a risk of confusing motivational factors and purpose.

Online presence should be a means to achieve clear professional and personal goals, not an end in itself. When we lose sight of this purpose, we risk dedicating significant time and energy to activities that, while they may bring momentary validation, do not effectively contribute to long-term personal and professional growth and fulfillment.

By losing sight of his purpose, Adriano started excessively focusing on maintaining an intense digital presence, neglecting his main responsibilities as a project manager. These include essential leadership and communication activities that are part of his daily routine and were initially areas he sought to improve. This illusory focus on visibility not only impacted his self-esteem and motivation but also obscured his path to achieving more substantial career goals.

It’s crucial to recognize that the quality and impact of our online activities should align with our deeper professional and personal aspirations. In cases similar to that of professionals like Adriano, it’s essential to realign focus and establish a clear purpose for online presence. This way, we can mitigate the negative effects of digital overload and promote a healthy balance between work, personal life, and the use of modern technologies. The key lies in using technology as a strategic tool that supports our goals, aiding in networking consolidation and encouraging the exchange and collaboration of knowledge. It’s essential that technology does not dominate us but rather serves as a means to achieve meaningful personal and professional goals.

It’s Not Just About Managing Time

It’s a fact that the balance between personal and professional life is being profoundly reshaped by a new paradigm. With the boundaries between these two worlds becoming increasingly fluid, the need to always be available, respond quickly, and maintain a positive online image intensifies. For many, this results in constant tension between personal aspirations, emotional well-being, and the relentless demands of work.

The problem is that we’re not only noticing the visible symptoms of stress and exhaustion caused by these pressures, but also the underlying causes that fuel physical and mental burnout in a digitally overloaded context.

At its core, it’s not just about managing time anymore. Today, the equation also includes pressure to maintain a social media presence. We live in a world where personal exposure is increasingly crucial. Without a robust digital presence, some may feel invisible in the contemporary professional landscape.

However, the issue doesn’t necessarily lie in producing content that showcases skills and achievements. The crux of the matter often lies in the unrealistic expectation that digital validation will automatically bring professional recognition and personal satisfaction. Adriano experienced this firsthand: despite investing significant time and energy into building his online presence, the tangible results didn’t meet his expectations.

My client João Silva shared his experience: “I realized there’s a different way to see the world beyond social media, which really didn’t work for me, and I’m no longer interested in wasting my time exposing myself.” He, a systems analyst at a consulting firm, revealed, “I used to face 9 to 10-hour workdays at the office and spend another 3- or 4-hours posting things, always worried about the pressure to always be available and visible on social media to show my work. Now, focusing only on what I’m good at and dedicating my time exclusively to work, I’ve found that I can perform my tasks effectively and still manage my time with my family. This gives me more time for my personal interests and a significant reduction in stress, without the constant concern for digital validation.”

However, these conversations also extend to many friends and colleagues who report that this demand occurs amidst the perception that there are many companies that directly or indirectly charge “professionals” for this type of approach. I’m not talking about the recruitment process for positions. Not only in the analysis of filling a position or even internally to be quoted to promote a professional career, the participation on social media can be reference.

This non-traditional approach often frustrates and discourages people, especially those like John, who felt the increasing pressure to maintain a constant online presence. While some organizations insist on the traditional method when hiring or promoting an employee for recognition, others see an increasing number of professionals in the area and balancing their need to be always visible and active on social networks in fear of losing their job or not being hired.

At its core, what we’re witnessing is much more than a simple battle for time. More and more people have lost their sense of reality, are completely obsessed with the need to expose themselves on social media, and now believe that this is the “end” of the process and not a “means” to expose their skills. They no longer ask why they spend daily hours on videos, texts, and posts in search of validation and likes, at the expense of balance and quality of life. Pressure to always be visible and engaged online has become a norm, while anxiety to advance in a career is intensifying unnoticed.

Is it feasible to continue in this cycle that clearly compromises our mental health and well-being? Alarming levels of stress and emotional exhaustion, often highlighted by the World Health Organization (WHO), indicate otherwise. The obsession with digital presence and virtual validation is diverting attention from what really matters: sustainable personal and professional fulfillment.

It is crucial to rethink our relationship with social media and the culture of constant exposure. We must seek a healthy balance between responsible use of technology and preserving our emotional well-being. This involves not only recognizing personal limits but also redefining the expectations imposed by an increasingly digitized work environment. By doing so, we can aspire to a more integrated professional and personal life where authenticity and purpose are prioritized over mere online visibility.

How Excesses Affect Us

The problem is not necessarily in participating in social media, but rather when we lose control and fail to understand the limits and real clear objectives of this participation, even for those who already have an established career. Social networks, for example, like LinkedIn, aim for professional maintenance, networking, and knowledge sharing. The problem arises when one gets lost in this context and what serves as a means of support focused more on knowledge exchange and motivation to stay aligned with current trends becomes an obsession.

Currently, the growing obsession with exposure on social media is leading many people to lose sight of boundaries. The constant need to be online, posting posts, videos, and texts in search of recognition and likes has profound consequences for both physical and mental health.

According to Alba Fernández Zamora, a psychologist at the Emotium center in Madrid, “The overload of digital stimuli can trigger a series of severe symptoms. Studies show that many individuals struggle to balance their personal and professional lives, exacerbating symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, lack of motivation, and difficulty concentrating.”

To understand how excesses on social media affect us from the perspective of neuroscience, it is crucial to consider how the human brain responds to constant digital stimuli and the pursuit of online validation. From the moment we engage excessively in digital platforms, such as social networks, various areas of the brain can be affected:

• Reward and Instant Gratification: Social media is designed to provide immediate rewards in the form of likes, comments, and shares. These interactions activate the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward sensation. The problem arises when we constantly seek these rewards, creating a vicious cycle of digital validation.
• Difficulty Concentrating and Cognitive Overload: Constant exposure to digital stimuli can lead to cognitive overload. The human brain is not adapted to handle the massive amount of information and distractions that social media offers. This results in difficulty concentrating, decreased productivity, and a greater propensity for errors.
• Anxiety and Chronic Stress: The constant need to be online and the pressure for visibility can trigger high levels of anxiety. The heightened social comparison that occurs on social media can lead to feelings of inadequacy and increased emotional stress. Excessive release of cortisol, the stress hormone, can have long-term detrimental effects on mental health.

• Impact on Sleep Quality: Prolonged exposure to blue light emitted by electronic devices can interfere with melatonin production, the sleep hormone. This can result in difficulty sleeping and irregular sleep patterns, negatively affecting rest and brain recovery.
• Changes in Brain Structure and Functioning: Studies suggest that excessive use of digital technologies can alter brain structure and connectivity. For example, areas of the brain associated with memory, attention, and decision-making may be negatively affected, compromising essential cognitive skills for professional and personal performance.

In summary, from the perspective of neuroscience, excesses on social media not only impact human behavior but also have profound repercussions on brain function. It is essential to recognize limits and establish a healthy balance in the use of these technologies to preserve mental health, promote emotional well-being, and ensure effective performance in both personal and professional life.

From the perspective of behavioral psychology, it can be said that excesses on social media significantly influence individual and collective behaviors. These platforms are designed to engage and retain users’ attention, often employing design techniques that exploit principles of behavioral psychology, such as intermittent reinforcement and emotional triggers:

• Intermittent Reinforcement: The random distribution of rewards, such as likes and comments, creates a pattern of addictive behavior. Users often return to social media hoping to receive validation or positive interactions, even if they do not occur consistently.
• Emotional Triggers: Digital platforms are skillfully designed to evoke specific emotions, such as joy, surprise, anger, or sadness, through content and interactions. These emotional triggers increase engagement, keeping users involved and often leading to impulsive and repetitive behaviors.
• Behavioral Modeling: Constant exposure to content and interactions on social media can gradually shape users’ behaviors and attitudes. This includes mimicking observed behaviors and internalizing specific social norms propagated on the platforms.
• Social Comparison: The public nature of social media facilitates constant social comparison. Users tend to compare their lives, achievements, and appearances with others, often idealized and amplified online. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy, anger, self-criticism, as well as diminished self-esteem.
• Behavioral Consequences: Excessive use of social media can lead to dysfunctional behaviors, such as procrastination, social isolation, and neglect of personal and professional responsibilities. These behaviors can negatively impact overall well-being and quality of life.

Keep in mind that what I expose here is just the tip of the iceberg. From the perspectives of behavioral psychology and neuroscience, there are much deeper issues to be discussed that trigger behavioral deviations and significantly harm physical and mental health. However, even though this article does not specifically address those issues, it is still valuable to recognize the mechanisms involved in social media use and its behavioral effects. Awareness of these aspects can help individuals develop strategies for a more balanced and mindful use of digital platforms, promoting a healthy relationship with technology and better management of the emotional and behavioral consequences associated with it.

The constant need for validation on social media not only consumes time and energy but also distorts the perception of reality. Often, online interactions are just a superficial part of a person’s life, and overly focusing on them can create harmful imbalance. The pressure to maintain a flawless and constantly updated image can lead to emotional exhaustion and detachment from one’s own needs and priorities.

Therefore, it is crucial to recognize the risks of excessive exposure on social media and find a healthy balance between professional and personal use of these platforms. This does not mean completely abandoning social media, but rather using it consciously and strategically, focusing on what truly contributes to personal and professional growth and filtering out content that makes a real difference and adds value to other professionals, without compromising one’s own quality of life.

This Phenomenon Is Not New

The consequences of not understanding that There Is Life Beyond Work are not new, but they have been intensified by the current context, where the pressure for visibility and online acceptance has become an unquestioned norm. As we have seen, neuroscience explains that constant exposure to social media activates brain areas related to reward and pleasure, creating a vicious cycle of seeking digital validation. This incessant pursuit not only compromises the quality of work and mental health of individuals but also negatively affects their personal relationships and overall well-being.

A vivid example of the devastating effects of social media exposure overload can be seen in another client, Andreia, a digital marketing professional. She recounts, “The constant pressure to produce content, increase followers, and engagement ended up deeply affecting my mental health. I started with the intention of just sharing knowledge and strengthening my image. However, I soon experienced episodes of intense anxiety, difficulty sleeping, and a persistent feeling of discomfort that permeated my daily life. It’s as if I could never fully disconnect, which ended up contaminating all areas of my life. I believe many face this same reality, especially when the situation prolongs over time. Even in moments that should represent peace and harmony, there I was, doing a live thinking I could demonstrate serenity and inner peace, when the only thing I lacked was precisely that peace, that harmony within myself. And this came at a high cost: burnout.”

Here I want to draw attention, as this account illustrates how the relentless quest for validation on social media can lead not only to emotional and physical exhaustion, deeply compromising mental health, but also to the development of burnout. As my client Andreia experienced, this not only affects the individual directly involved but also serves as a warning for all professionals immersed in the culture of constant online exposure.

It is essential for professionals to recognize the importance of establishing clear boundaries between the use of social media and their personal and professional lives. Adopting conscious and balanced practices can help prevent the harmful effects of digital overload, promoting a healthier and more productive environment. It is vital to prioritize quality of life and well-being, understanding that true fulfillment and success come from a healthy balance across all areas of life.

The connection to burnout is crystal clear. Burnout is not simply a consequence of overwork but rather a state of emotional exhaustion rooted deeply in what I call the fundamental needs of the human being, such as the need to be admired, belong, respected, loved, responsible, valued, autonomous, etc. When we fail to meet these basic needs, it can lead to high self-criticism and self-demand, negatively affecting our self-esteem and self-perception. This state of deprivation can impact both mental and physical health, often exacerbated by chronic stress resulting from prolonged overwork, which creates an incessant and disproportionate demand.

Reinforcing the importance of the work environment and human relationships, it is worth noting that the development of Burnout Syndrome occurs insidiously: faced with exhaustion, the worker does not recognize their condition of emotional instability. They do not understand how their discomfort and fatigue are caused by their attitudes at work, attributing the initial signs to other causes and postponing the diagnosis for consultation with a qualified professional. Its development generally occurs in the following sequence:

• Enthusiasm phase: This phase is crucial to understand how the process of developing this syndrome in the workplace begins, often caused by lack of clarity in work activities, career path, expectations, and expected responsibilities. The starting point is when the worker begins their professional activities with high aspirations and a high level of energy.
• Stagnation phase: The professional begins to question the success of their work, the effort involved. There is a strong perception (real or imaginary) that their work and effort are not recognized or perceived as insufficient. Introspective questions about self-esteem arise, such as whether it is worth continuing; if the expected expectations still exist or have dissipated with daily work. The lack of a welcoming environment, with little or no human contact and sense of belonging, worsens the development of Burnout. Without human warmth, goals become relative, and a feeling of disillusionment begins, leading to isolation and negative interpretative justifications. The first physical symptoms often appear, such as fatigue, headache, general discomfort, stomach problems, ringing in the ears, among others.
• Frustration Phase: At this point, the person tries to find in organizational tools or in other people a meaning that can dissipate internal discomfort, positively seeking in the situation an opposite sense of what they feel, renewing themselves with the illusion of new projects, motivating activities, and changes that suggest work with better prospects. Here the person strives and wants to produce, tending towards excess until exhaustion. This phase is the core of the syndrome, where psychosomatic problems become chronic due to lack of balance, adopting irritable and disturbing attitudes, with doubts and adopting inappropriate behaviors in their tasks.
• Apathy Phase: When the previous phase cannot be seen positively, the individual gives up on changing things (even losing the sense of decision), becoming cynical and insensitive to their own condition. The mechanism adopted is a defense against frustration.
• Burnout Syndrome: There is a physical, intellectual, and emotional collapse. The disease manifests its most pronounced characteristics.

This sequence details how burnout gradually develops, starting with enthusiasm and energy but eventually leading to a state of complete exhaustion and emotional and physical disengagement. Its origin lies in the inability to satisfy our fundamental needs, which generates high self-criticism and self-demand, negatively affecting our self-esteem and self-perception, and consequently impacting our mental and physical health, often exacerbated by chronic stress resulting from prolonged overwork. This syndrome results not only from excessive demands and continuous stress but also from the relentless pursuit to meet “fundamental needs” for recognition, admiration, and validation, amplified by success or failure on social media.

Recent studies have highlighted that burnout, according to projections from the World Health Organization (WHO), is becoming one of the leading causes of work absenteeism by 2030. However, burnout is not just an isolated challenge resulting from the saturated environment of social media and contemporary work. Along with it, a variety of disorders, syndromes, and conditions can emerge, such as generalized anxiety, depression, panic syndrome, and chronic stress, profoundly impacting individuals’ physical and mental health.

Furthermore, Antonio Cano, president of the Spanish Society for the Study of Anxiety and Stress (SEAS), emphasizes that occupational stress not only significantly contributes to these emotional problems but may also be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and other physical health problems. This complex phenomenon is exacerbated by stressful global events and contemporary pressures, forcing individuals to constantly reassess their boundaries between work and personal life.

Influential authors, such as Cal Newport in his book “Deep Work,” argue that periods dedicated to deep concentration are essential for meaningful work, emphasizing the importance of disconnecting to preserve creativity and well-being. Additionally, neuroscience experts, like David Rock, founder of the NeuroLeadership Institute, explain how the human brain needs periods of rest and reflection to maximize productivity and avoid burnout.

These scientific insights not only validate the pursuit of balance but also provide foundations for strategies that promote sustainable and rewarding professional lives. However, we often make the mistake of allocating our time to activities that should be dedicated to ourselves, such as moments of rest, leisure, and introspection. These are fundamental elements for restoring mental and physical energy, improving emotional resilience, and promoting a sense of purpose that goes beyond the digital and professional demands of everyday life.

When to Say Enough!

Rafaela Santos, a marketing executive at a multinational company, has always been recognized for her tireless dedication to work. She spent long hours in the office, answered emails during meals, and was constantly connected to the company’s social media channels to promote content on her channel. She felt pressured not only by the volume of work but also by the need to always be visible and available online, as a way to validate her competence and personal worth.

However, recently, Rafaela began to notice significant changes in her physical and mental health. Difficulties sleeping, signs of anxiety, and a persistent feeling of exhaustion began to dominate her routine. Even in rare moments of rest, her mind continued to be occupied with work-related concerns, affecting her emotional balance and her as During a vacation, while trying to relax by the seaside, Rafaela had a moment of profound clarity. She realized she was missing precious moments with her family and friends due to excessive commitment to work. She felt isolated, even surrounded by people. Daily pressures began to affect not only her health but also her personal relationships and overall well-being.

The negative consequences of this overload manifested physically in Rafaela, resulting in weight loss, nervous tics, and a series of misguided decisions. She shares, “When you’re overwhelmed, mental clarity disappears and small mistakes become common, further intensifying the pressure on oneself. I began to doubt my abilities and accept this intense pressure as normal.”

Faced with this concerning scenario, Rafaela decided to take concrete steps to regain her health and balance. She sought professional guidance and implemented significant behavioral changes in her routine. She established strict schedules for social media use outside of work hours, adopted regular mindfulness practices, and reserved time for physical activities and hobbies she had neglected.

With the support of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rafaela gradually managed to find a healthy balance between her demanding career and personal life. These changes were not easy, facing resistance both internally and in the competitive work environment she was in. However, by prioritizing her well-being and integrating periods of disconnection, she rediscovered pleasure and productivity both at work and in daily life.

From this turning point, Rafaela determined she no longer wanted to live in an unbalanced way. She found new meaning by balancing her professional responsibilities with her personal interests, implementing periods dedicated to deep work and essential breaks for her mental and emotional health. She told me, “Stepping away from the pressures of social media and the frenzy of being constantly online, I realized I didn’t lose anything – in fact, I regained the life I had left behind.”

This journey of Rafaela’s underscores the vital importance of recognizing personal limits, seeking support when needed, and prioritizing the balance between work and personal life to promote a healthier and more meaningful existence.bility to enjoy personal life.

Caution! The Problem May Be Invisible!

Marina Oliveira, a programmer at a technology startup that produces a lot of content on her channel, shared with me the challenges she faces in balancing her channel and her work environment at the company. “In our company, the pace is extremely fast. We are constantly encouraged to deliver quick and precise results. This creates intense pressure to always be available and productive. Often, the demands are so intense that I find it difficult to find time to take care of my mental and physical health,” Marina explains. She also mentions that she maintains her content channel as a contingency plan, in case she is laid off, to showcase her skills and gain recognition for her competence.

She points out the lack of organizational culture focused on employee well-being. “There are no clear policies supporting mental health, and the constant pressure ends up creating an environment prone to chronic stress. I myself have experienced episodes of emotional exhaustion, where I felt completely drained and unmotivated to continue. It’s a tough situation because I feel like I have no choice but to continue at this pace to keep my job and meet company expectations; the market is very competitive and salaries are increasingly lower.”

Lucas Silva, another software developer at the same company, reflects on the exhausting dynamics of the workplace. “In our company, there’s constant pressure to deliver quick and consistent results. This creates a climate of competitiveness and urgency that often compromises the well-being of employees,” comments Lucas. He notes that in their highly competitive field, being always connected is essential to avoid being forgotten.

Lucas emphasizes that the organizational culture seems to prioritize productivity above all else. “There’s no genuine concern for the impact of these demands on employees’ mental health. When someone expresses difficulties or signs of stress, it’s often seen as lack of commitment or inability to handle pressure, rather than an opportunity to understand and mitigate the underlying causes.”

Despite economic and social constraints that may limit the freedom to change jobs, organizational psychology emphasizes the importance of recognizing warning signs in toxic work environments. When work pressures begin to negatively affect other areas of life, such as family and social relationships, it’s crucial to consider changes and set boundaries. When we find ourselves bringing home fear and stress from work, compromising our ability to interact with loved ones, or when burnout prevents us from effectively fulfilling our daily responsibilities, these are clear signs that preventive measures are necessary.

The Responsibility of Companies to Care for Mental Health

It’s essential to recognize that active presence on social media, especially in professional settings, plays a crucial role in professional development by enabling knowledge dissemination, establishing connections, and fostering collaboration. However, this pursuit of digital visibility can become a significant burden when not balanced with personal and professional well-being.

Marina Oliveira and Lucas Silva clearly illustrate the challenges faced by many professionals today. The fast-paced and highly competitive work environment generates fear, insecurity, and often demands extreme dedication and constant availability. This can result in a cycle of chronic stress and emotional exhaustion, negatively affecting both the physical and mental health of employees.

As a leader in behavioral and organizational development, I emphasize the crucial importance of examining the role of companies in promoting the mental health of their employees. Organizations have a significant responsibility to create healthy and sustainable work environments, directly influencing day-to-day dynamics.

It is alarming when companies ignore this reality and the clear signs of burnout among their employees. Research indicates that many professionals are overwhelmed, feeling fragile and demotivated, which not only affects their productivity but also their physical and mental health. In a personal consulting experience at a tech company, I encountered a striking situation: nearly 90% of employees would not recommend their immediate family members to work there. This reality demands more than just motivational workshops; it requires a genuine commitment to human and organizational behavioral development.

The organizational climate directly reflects the company culture, becoming toxic when productivity is excessively valued at the expense of individuals’ well-being. The lack of recognition and adequate support can result in severe consequences such as high turnover and low job satisfaction.

This does not mean companies should discourage employees from creating professional content to share internally or externally on dedicated professional networks. On the contrary, it is essential to instruct them on healthy boundaries and appropriate times to engage in these platforms.

To improve this scenario, companies should adopt proactive policies to mitigate stress and promote work-life balance. Strategies such as comprehensive wellness programs, flexible schedules, and psychological support are essential to create an environment where employees feel valued, respected, and motivated.

In light of all this, there is an urgent need for a more effective approach to addressing these issues. Based on years of study and consulting, I observe that often companies and their managers are aware of the challenges employees face but fail to act proactively. Work overload can be observed daily, and it is essential to use various behavioral tools to analyze this accurately. Additionally, having a competent Human Organizational Behavioral Developer to oversee this process is crucial. This analysis cannot be superficial, limited to merely observing email response times or behavioral changes. It is necessary to deeply investigate the real issues that have a significant impact, often overlooked by companies.

It is essential for companies to take responsibility for creating work environments that not only allow for professional growth but also promote the physical and mental well-being of all their employees. This involves adopting clear and effective policies that prioritize work-life balance, providing an environment where employees feel respected, supported, and valued.

Implementing regular and confidential feedback systems is crucial. These systems should allow employees to express their concerns without fear of retaliation, contributing to a more open and collaborative work environment. Including detailed organizational climate surveys, active listening sessions with mental health professionals, and stress management workshops are practical measures that can be taken.

Furthermore, it is crucial to invest in leadership development, empowering managers with empathetic communication skills and effective strategies to support their teams in the face of challenges and pressures. This not only strengthens management capability but also creates an environment where mutual support and well-being are prioritized.

Promoting a healthy balance between work and personal life requires policies that encourage mindful use of digital technologies outside of working hours. Establishing restricted email hours and encouraging periods of disconnection during vacations are examples of practices that help prevent burnout and promote a higher quality of life for employees.

In addition to balance policies, wellness programs that include physical activities, mindfulness practices, and psychological support are essential to strengthen employees’ resilience and mitigate the negative effects of chronic stress.

Ultimately, by adopting an organizational culture that values employees’ well-being as much as productivity, companies not only enhance the workplace environment but also attract and retain qualified talent. This contributes not only to organizational success but also to the overall well-being of employees and, consequently, to a healthier and more productive society as a whole.

Therefore, it is imperative that companies commit to practices that promote a healthy work environment where the care for mental and emotional health is a fundamental priority.

IN CONCLUSION,

Ultimately, the issue goes beyond the mere battle for time and the pressure for social media exposure. We are facing a fundamental challenge on how to balance work demands with mental health and personal well-being. The growing awareness of the limits and challenges faced in the contemporary professional environment underscores the urgent need to rethink work practices and associated expectations.

The demand for a constant and influential presence on digital platforms reflects not only a cultural trend but also an economic and professional necessity. However, this implicit expectation of always being visible and available can lead to significant overload, contributing to chronic stress, burnout, and other mental health issues. The narrative of professional success now extends beyond traditional achievements to include the ability to effectively manage the boundaries between personal and professional life.

In confronting these challenges, it is crucial for organizations to acknowledge their role in promoting a healthy and sustainable work environment. This includes not only compliance with occupational health regulations but also the implementation of policies that encourage work-life balance, effective workload management, and active support for employees’ mental health.

Life beyond work should not be neglected or sacrificed in the name of professional success or increased digital visibility. More and more people are questioning the excessive demands imposed by work and seeking a balance that promotes not only productivity but also overall well-being. It is time to prioritize not only digital visibility but also the care for mental health and quality of life, recognizing that true success lies in living a full and satisfying life, both inside and outside the workplace.

Furthermore, it is essential to foster an organizational culture that values self-care and respects individual boundaries. This requires leaders and managers who are willing not only to encourage but also to model behavior that balances professional performance with personal well-being. Investing in personal development programs and coaching can be an effective strategy to empower employees to manage stress and pressure in a healthy manner, thereby promoting a more humane and sustainable work environment.

As we move towards a future where technology and professional expectations continue to evolve rapidly, it is imperative that all of us – individuals, companies, and society at large – recognize the importance of caring for our mental health. Only then can we build a work environment where everyone can thrive not only as professionals but as whole human beings.

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Hello, I’m Marcello de Souza! I started my career in 1997 as a leader and manager in a large company in the IT and Telecommunications market. Since then, I have participated in important projects of structuring, implementation, and optimization of telecommunications networks in Brazil. Restless and passionate about behavioral and social psychology. In 2008, I decided to delve into the universe of the human mind.

Since then, I have become a professional passionate about deciphering the secrets of human behavior and catalyzing positive changes in individuals and organizations. Doctor in Social Psychology, with over 25 years of experience in Cognitive Behavioral and Human Organizational Development. With a wide-ranging career, I highlight my role as:

– Master Senior Coach and Trainer: Guiding my clients in the pursuit of goals and personal and professional development, achieving extraordinary results.

– Chief Happiness Officer (CHO): Fostering an organizational culture of happiness and well-being, boosting productivity and employee engagement.

– Expert in Language and Behavioral Development: Enhancing communication and self-awareness skills, empowering individuals to face challenges with resilience.

– Cognitive Behavioral Therapist: Using cutting-edge cognitive-behavioral therapy to help overcome obstacles and achieve a balanced mind.

– Speaker, Professor, Writer, and Researcher: Sharing valuable knowledge and ideas in events, training, and publications to inspire positive changes.

– Consultant and Mentor: Leveraging my experience in leadership and project management to identify growth opportunities and propose personalized strategies.

My solid academic background includes four postgraduates and a doctorate in Social Psychology, along with international certifications in Management, Leadership, and Cognitive Behavioral Development. My contributions in the field are widely recognized in hundreds of classes, training sessions, conferences, and published articles.

Co-author of the book “The Secret of Coaching” and author of “The Map Is Not the Territory, the Territory Is You” and “The Diet Society” (the first of a trilogy on human behavior in contemporaneity – 05/2024).

Allow me to be your companion on this journey of self-discovery and success. Together, we will unravel a universe of behavioral possibilities and achieve extraordinary results.

By the way, I invite you to join my network. As a lover of behavioral psychology, social psychology, and neuroscience, I have created my YouTube channel to share my passion for cognitive behavioral development with more people.

Please note that all data and content in this article or video are exclusive, written, and reviewed by Marcello de Souza based on proven philosophical concepts and scientific studies to ensure that the best possible content reaches you.

Don’t forget to follow Marcello de Souza on other social media platforms and join the VIP list to receive exclusive articles weekly by email.

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🧠 Presentation and adaptation: Marcello de Souza

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