Little Rock, 14 Nov., 2005 - According to study findings recently release by ISR, 34% of employees surveyed reported the demands of their jobs "seriously interfere with their private lives." Since 1990, the U.S. has ranked as one of the highest industrialized nations in average annual hours worked per person according to statistics from the International Labor Organization of the United Nations.
Dr. Jeff Standridge, Co-Author of The Abundance Principle: Five Keys to Extraordinary Living (www.TheAbundancePrinciple.com) recommends the following five keys to reducing employee burnout and associated depression:
Practice Right-thinking - Half of the battle against employee burnout is emotional in nature. Employees who maintain an appropriate and positive perspective of their work environment are more prone to stave off burnout. Consciously choosing to improve your mental attitude will work wonders in the battle against work/life imbalance.
Plan Your Work & Work Your Plan - Many times work/life balance is destroyed by irregular hours, and long workdays. Spending 15-30 minutes each evening planning the major accomplishments required for the following day will increase the likelihood of having a normal workday. Find ways to say "no" to unnecessary busywork, or work that doesn´t directly contribute to your plan.
Strengthen Relationships Both Inside and Outside Work - Relationships are the key to a high quality life. Having friends inside and outside the workplace with whom you can discuss achievements and struggles will reduce the pressure and contribute to developing a positive perspective. Using these "inside" friends to hold you accountable for maintaining a positive perspective will also have a positive impact.
Don´t Over-spend - "Work depression" can develop because employees feel trapped in their current jobs, often due to the demands of consumer debt and other financial obligations. Because they feel they have no choice, employees allow themselves to be held "hostage" by their current places of employment. Reducing expenses can relieve significant pressure allowing employees to feel as though they do have choices.
Serve Someone in Need - One of the best ways to overcome burnout and depression is to get the focus off of you and onto someone else. Practicing random acts of kindness and/or volunteering to help someone in genuine need is a great way to generate positive emotions.
Dr. Jeff Standridge is co-Author of The Abundance Principle: Five Keys to Extraordinary Living (www.TheAbundancePrinciple.com), along with Tim Kellerman. They are available for print, television and radio interviews. Contact them directly at 501.514.3206 or visit www.AbundantLifeProject.com.
