Overwork to Stress: Face, Cope, and Conquer! Part 1

There’s been an uproar on social media following the tragic death of a corporate employee due to overwork. The subsequent inhumane treatment by her workplace during her funeral has sparked widespread outrage among netizens, igniting a revolt against the corporate world. I watched, and it brought back memories of my own ordeals. Those experiences were terrible. The memories are like the murky waters, pulling me back into the past, hindering my progress, and preventing any further growth.

People often say that ignoring the past helps you grow and feel better. Initially, I tried to do just that—ignore the facts. But a sense of social responsibility pushed me to speak out. I simply cannot stay silent or overlook the truth.

Consider this article a tribute to those countless unfortunate souls whose lives were cut short, whose well-being was compromised, and whose voices went unheard amidst the grind of corporate machinery.

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We often complain about overwork, stress, and ill-treatment by managers and employers, demanding justice and changes in the system through social media posts and online petitions. But does it REALLY WORK? Does all this noise ACTUALLY HELP reduce the stress employees face?

To find out, let’s first dive into the sea of endless stress caused by overwork and explore how the system truly operates. Understanding its mechanics is essential to uncovering whether real change is possible or not and how.

Why do some people feel stressed?

Feeling stressed in the workplace is a common scenario nowadays. There are innumerable reasons behind this. A few important ones are quoted below:-

1. Being unskilled and ill-equipped to handle workplace stress:- 

Modern life is perpetually stressful, largely due to societal evolution and rising populations, especially in many developing countries. As the number of skilled and semi-skilled workers increases, the demand for employment often remains unmet. 

The oversupply of labour leads individuals to undervalue their skills, selling their precious human resources at low rates. 

The corporate world capitalises on this by prioritising profit, viewing employees as easily replaceable assets rather than invaluable contributors. This dynamic not only exacerbates stress for workers but also undermines job security and fulfilment in the workplace.

In this scenario, being unskilled and ill-equipped to handle workplace stress can lead to a range of challenges like the following:- 

• Poor Coping Strategies: Without proper skills to manage stress, individuals may resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as avoidance, procrastination, or substance use, worsening stress and creating additional problems in both their personal and professional lives.
  
  
• Increase in Anxiety & Stress: Individuals who lack stress management skills may experience heightened anxiety when faced with workplace demands. They might feel overwhelmed by tasks, deadlines, or expectations, leading to constant worry.
  
  
• Burnout: Prolonged exposure to unmanaged stress can lead to burnout, characterised by emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced effectiveness. Burnout can result in increased absenteeism, lower job satisfaction, and even resignation. 
  
  
• Decreased Productivity: The inability to handle stress effectively can lead to decreased productivity. When overwhelmed, individuals may struggle to concentrate, prioritise tasks, or meet deadlines, ultimately affecting their performance and job security.
  
  
• Reduced Career Growth: A lack of stress management skills can hinder professional development. Individuals may miss out on promotions, opportunities for advancement, or positive feedback due to their inability to cope with workplace challenges.

Struggling to manage stress can lead to feelings of inadequacy or failure, impacting self-esteem. Such individuals lack the courage to seek help or resources available to manage stress. They might feel embarrassed or ashamed, thinking that asking for assistance is a sign of weakness.

Addressing Stress Factors at Workplaces due to Different Levels of Skills:-

Immediate Solutions (Quick Wins)

• Practice Deep Breathing or Mindfulness: Use simple breathing techniques or mindfulness apps (like Headspace or Calm) during stressful moments.
• Break Tasks into Smaller Steps: Don’t try to solve everything at once. Prioritise and break tasks down into manageable chunks.
• Speak Up: Talk to a supervisor or HR about feeling overwhelmed. Many workplaces now have stress-management support systems.
• Take Short Breaks: Even 5 - 10 minutes away from your desk can reset your mind.

Mid-Term Solutions (Skill Building)

• Time Management & Organisational Skills: Learn tools like to-do lists, calendars (Google Calendar, Trello), or time-blocking to feel more in control.
• Communication Training: Improve how you express concerns or set boundaries at work. Courses on assertiveness or workplace communication can help.
• Stress Management Workshops or Webinars: Attend sessions offered by your company or online platforms like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning.

Long-Term Solutions (Capacity Building)

• Upskill Professionally: Identify the gaps that cause the stress—technical skills? teamwork? writing?—and commit to learning slowly and steadily.
• Counselling or Coaching: If stress becomes chronic, consider speaking with a counsellor, therapist, or life coach.
• Build a Support Network: Find mentors, colleagues, or friends who can offer guidance, share their experiences, or just listen.

In our next part we will discuss about the socio-economic pressures that might lead to stress in workplace and life.