New buzz word ‘quiet thriving’ is about embracing the small things employees can do to boost their workplace well-being.Getty Images
Overworked, overwhelmed, and at a breaking point – modern workers are struggling to balance their mental health with the demands of the workplace. Headlines about burnout and ‘quiet quitting’ reflect a work force desperate for change.
According to a study conducted by consultancy firm BCG, half of all young professionals reported needing help for mental health problems. The Mental Health Commission of Canada says that 70 per cent of Canadian employees are concerned about the mental health and safety of their workplace, while 14 per cent don’t think their workplaces are healthy or safe. HR firm Robert Half found that 42 per cent of Canadian professionals reported feeling burnt out.
“There’s been so much pressure over the last 24 months, whether it’s inflation, interest rates, the overall cost of living, and the byproduct is people’s wellness – no matter how hard you try, your personal life ends up bleeding into the workplace,” says Mike Shekhtman, a senior regional director at HR firm Robert Half.
Beyond ‘quiet quitting’: A new way to thrive at work
It’s no surprise that workers have turned to tactics like ‘quiet quitting’ or doing just enough at work to fulfill your job requirements without being emotionally invested. But a new trend, ‘quiet thriving,’ might be a more sustainable and healthy way to manage your mental health at work and avoid burnout.
Quiet thriving means actively looking for ways to prioritize your well-being at work in order to protect your peace and feel more engaged. For employees, this might look like taking breaks more often or building meaningful relationships with coworkers to create a social circle in the workplace.
While ‘quiet thriving’ is buzzy now, it’s by no means a new idea.
“It’s a fascinating name that we give to years of knowledge that we have accumulated about the small things employees can do to help themselves have better mental health,” says Duygu Gulseren, an assistant professor at the school of human resources management at York University and the chair of the Canadian Society for Industrial and Organizational Health.
Gulseren says that employee strategies for boosting mental health have been changing due to the rapidly changing nature of work.
Remote work, for example, is becoming more popular and common, she explains, because it gives employees the freedom to adjust their schedules and have more control over their work/life balance.
“In occupational health psychology, one of the most established findings is that autonomy and flexibility is an important resource for employees,” she says. “When you give [employees] flexibility and autonomy and control, they can design their own well-being strategy.”
Shekhtman says that changing your mindset in order to feel more empowered can also help employees feel less dread at work.
For example, when there’s a shakeup at work that causes uncertainty and anxiety, it’s important to talk to your manager first instead of harbouring resentment which can fester into long-term disengagement. Shekhtman also says that as humans, we have a natural inclination to learn new skills. So, when a new challenge comes up at work, instead of having a negative mindset, he suggests seeing it as a learning opportunity.
How employers can support mental health at work
Of course, workers also need the space to feel safe enough to thrive – and there are ways that employers can support their employees. Some of the easiest things to do are providing mental health resources, giving subscriptions for mental health services, offering discounted gym memberships. Even programs like subsidized child care can be a boon. All of these will show employees that leaders care about their well-being.
To truly give employees the space to thrive, companywide policies, like work from home and flexible hours as Gulseren recommended, can also be established.
“Giving people the ability to have some flexibility in their work schedule fuels engagement,” says Shekhtman. “It gives people empowerment and incentivizes them to create space for both personal demands at home and their work demands as well.”
Investing in wellness is a win for everyone
Providing opportunities for growth and education will also lead to more employee satisfaction, says Shekhtman. “Speaking about upskilling your work force, having programs in place for career pathing or maybe even potential job shadow, to drive different career conversations drives engagement and retention, and ultimately, it’s one way not to have somebody quiet quit.”
It’s especially important now for employers to invest in employee well-being and encourage quiet thriving, Shekhtman says.
“Building resiliency and driving strong mental health is going to increase productivity, increase engagement and ultimately, reduce turnover – which companies are really looking for.”