A fascinating article on burnout - do you know the feeling? - from our Campaign Director Patrick Rea, in the latest issue of Pulse!

The constant need to adapt and perform at a high level, under tight deadlines, can lead to executive burnout, a form of trauma caused by the unrelenting feeling of being swamped and unable to cope:

“Over half (51%) of cybersecurity professionals are kept up at night by the stress of the job and work challenges, according to CIISec’s 2020/21 State of the Profession report.

"Burnout is a syndrome characterised by emotional exhaustion, depression, and a reduced sense of personal accomplishment. It is particularly prevalent among individuals in high-stress occupations, such as IT homeworkers. Burnout can manifest in various ways, in mental and physical symptoms, including substance abuse…”

You can read the full article here:
➡️ https://lnkd.in/dctDiHR9

An Employers’ Framework for Staff Mental Health

All organisations, in the IT and other sectors, should have an agreed framework in place to avoid and resolve the problem of burnout, whether for employed IT staff or contractors, especially when they are homeworking, in isolation. HR managers, line managers and others who manage IT staff can take positive steps:

1 Foster a positive work environment:

One that values collaboration, open communication, and employee well-being can help mitigate the risks of staff burnout. Encouraging teamwork and recognising individual contributions can go a long way in creating a supportive atmosphere.

2 Encourage a healthy work-life balance:

This may include encouraging employees to join regular social or sporting meetups and to take vacations.

3 Provide support and resources:

Such as through access to mental health professionals or stress management workshops. Additionally, providing opportunities for professional development and growth can help alleviate the pressure to constantly perform at a high level.

4 Prioritise self-care: Encouraging staff to prioritise self-care to prevent burnout.

This includes setting boundaries, encouraging regular physical activity, perhaps with free sports memberships, practising mindfulness, and seeking support when needed.

Employer Training: TATE Trauma Awareness Training for Everyone (TATE) is a customised training program using the Human Givens approach, created and delivered by the charity PTSD Resolution. This program is designed for organisations aiming to ensure that managers can help staff to effectively manage challenges, recognise emerging mental health issues, and, crucially, know how to direct staff towards professional help.

The training is offered both in-person and online. The sessions are conducted live, fostering group discussions and providing opportunities for attendees to ask questions directly to the HG trainer.

TATE sessions range from a two-hour interactive presentation to a full day of instruction and activities. The program aims to familiarise HR staff, line managers, and senior management with essential concepts related to trauma

Contact www.PTSDresolution.org