Saying goodbye to hustle culture: Prioritising wellbeing and balance

The grind of hustle culture is slowly fading away, making room for wellbeing and work-life balance. Despite this positive shift, many of us still find ourselves in demanding jobs that push us to keep up a fast pace. This often results in a relentless feeling of time scarcity and constant urgency

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on Forbes

As we emerge from the pandemic, the expectations to spend more time in the office and increase our work pace are growing. However, it’s important to recognise that hustle culture can take a toll on your mental, emotional, and physical health, ultimately diminishing your overall satisfaction.

Thankfully, there are practical strategies to counteract the pressures of hustle culture and enhance your happiness both at work and in life.

The shift towards balance

Hustle culture, characterised by overworking and long hours, has met significant backlash with trends like quiet quitting, lazy girl jobs, duvet days, and bare minimum Mondays. Employers are beginning to notice, and amid a talent shortage, more jobs are now promoting balance and wellbeing.

Strategies to reduce hustle

Commit to a positive mindset

Reducing hustle begins with your mindset. It’s a myth that happiness at work is always easy and friction-free. In fact, hard work is valuable, and achievements feel more rewarding when you’ve invested significant effort. Stretching yourself, taking on challenges, and committing to meaningful goals are closely linked with happiness. Embrace opportunities to immerse yourself in meaningful work and strive for excellence.

Work smart and set boundaries

Being productive and efficient is key to reducing hustle. Eliminate distractions by setting aside your devices and turning off notifications. Prioritise your tasks and focus on what truly matters. If work expectations are unrealistic, communicate with your boss to set clear priorities.

Organise your workflow according to your natural rhythms. For instance, tackle complex tasks in the morning if you’re a morning person. Group similar tasks together and take breaks to stay fresh and effective. Collaborate with your team to set signals for when interruptions are acceptable and when you need focused time.

Avoid perfectionism and procrastination

Perfectionism and procrastination can both drive unnecessary hustle. Instead of striving for perfection, aim for excellence. Focus your efforts on high-impact tasks and recognise when good enough is sufficient. Tackle tasks immediately to avoid the mental burden of procrastination. Setting a timer for 10 minutes can help you start a task, often creating the momentum needed to continue.

Rely on your team

Don’t try to do everything alone. Lean on your team members and share the workload. Collaborating not only eases your burden but also fosters a sense of camaraderie. Share tasks based on each person’s strengths and preferences. Effective teamwork can prevent the burnout that comes from trying to be a hero or martyr.

Evaluate your role

While doing your best in your current role, consider exploring alternative options that offer a better balance. Look for job descriptions that highlight work-life balance, structured hours, and no overtime. On the flip side, be cautious of roles that tout “work hard, play hard” cultures or require working across multiple time zones.

Finding your best fit

Understanding the expectations and culture of potential employers is crucial. Speak with hiring managers and team members to gauge the organisation’s emphasis on wellbeing and the employee experience. Find a role that aligns with your priorities, whether that’s flexibility, a higher salary, or meaningful work.

Hustle can be draining, but viewing work as an important part of life where you can express your talents and contribute to a team can be fulfilling. Commit to your work, set boundaries, and rely on your team. These steps will help you reduce hustle and enhance your happiness at work.