From burnout to balance: Thriving in fast-paced workplaces

In today's fast-paced world, where the pursuit of success often results in burnout and stress, prioritising mental health and well-being has become increasingly important. One organisation leading this charge is The School of Positive Psychology, founded by Stephen Lew.

In a recent conversation with Donnie Maclary, in this episode of Asia Rising: Tech Talks, Lew shared valuable insights into how individuals and organisations can better manage stress, prevent burnout, and ultimately thrive.

A journey into positive psychology

I've been in this industry for 17 years. What we do at The School of Positive Psychology is teach people how to thrive using the science of positive psychology, counselling, psychotherapy, and coaching.

Stephen's journey into positive psychology and psychotherapy was born from personal experience. As someone who faced childhood depression and complex trauma, Lew was naturally drawn to the field. Today, he is not only the founder of The School of Positive Psychology but also a practising psychotherapist specialising in trauma, anxiety, and depression.

His personal experiences has enabled him to approach his work with more profound empathy and understanding, driving his mission to empower individuals to live meaningful and purposeful lives.

Singapore’s hustle culture: A unique challenge

There is an emergence of awakening among individuals and corporations focusing on mental health. We are seeing more HR leaders trying to integrate well-being science into the workplace.

Stephen is based in Singapore and is known for its relentless hustle culture. People in Singapore often push themselves to their limits, working long hours in a highly competitive environment. This can lead to burnout, with many people not recognising the signs until too late.

Stephen emphasised that a resilient workforce leads to higher performance and productivity. However, building such resilience requires a conscious effort from both individuals and organisations to create a supportive culture that encourages well-being.

Assessing mental health in the workplace

One key component of promoting well-being is assessing employees' mental health. Stephen discussed how The School of Positive Psychology helps organisations implement strategies for doing just that. He explained that companies can measure a variety of mental health indicators, such as stress, anxiety, and depression. Alternatively, organisations may assess positive metrics like life satisfaction, resilience, and optimism.

One of Stephen's favourite measurements is the Subjective Well-Being Measurement or a life satisfaction survey. This simple survey contains only five questions and offers valuable insights into an individual’s happiness and well-being.

However, technology, such as AI, can only support about 50% of mental health interventions. While online platforms and mental health apps have become more popular, they should complement, not replace, personal interactions and professional support.

Building a culture of collaboration and psychological safety

Cultivating a positive organisational culture is also vital and many companies are investigating how best to create a collaborative culture that fosters trust. Stephen believes positive communication strategies and teamwork are crucial in helping employees bring their best selves to work.

Stephen also highlighted the "psychological capital" concept—a critical factor in enhancing organisational health. He introduced the HERO acronym for Hope, Efficacy (Confidence), Resilience, and Optimism. By focusing on building psychological capital, organisations can boost employee engagement and performance.

Advice for companies: Start with conversations

The first step is to start talking openly about mental health.

Stephen stressed the importance of initiating conversations when asked for advice on how companies can improve mental health and well-being in the workplace. Organisations must create safe spaces where employees feel comfortable discussing their challenges without fear of judgment.

Mental health initiatives should transcend one-time events. Stephen pointed out that mental health and well-being exist on a continuum, with employees positioned at various stages along this spectrum. Therefore, organisations must provide continuous, tailored support to address the unique needs of each individual.

The importance of taking stock

On a personal level, Stephen advises individuals to assess their mental health and well-being regularly. He proposed the "well-being continuum," which ranges from -10 to +10. Individuals should ask themselves if they are merely surviving or genuinely thriving. Understanding where they are on this continuum can help them identify what resources or support they need to move towards flourishing.

He also emphasises the importance of maintaining a "well-being tank." He explained that people often push themselves to the limit, only stopping when they reach complete burnout. Instead, he suggests stopping and recharging when energy levels hit 2 or 3, preventing burnout before it occurs.

A challenge to find joy

These slices of joy can be simple. Listen to your favourite song, take a walk in nature, or dance for a few minutes. These small moments can make a big difference in how we feel.

As the conversation drew to a close, Stephen offered a practical challenge for listeners: find three to five moments of joy each day. Doing so can counteract the negativity bias—our natural tendency to focus on problems and threats—and improve overall well-being.

Conclusion: A call to action for mental health

As the conversation wrapped up Stephen and Donnie reflected on the importance of mental health in personal and professional life.

Ultimately, the message is clear: mental health is not a one-time fix. It requires ongoing effort and attention. We can create a world where people survive and thrive by taking proactive steps- individually and collectively.

Article and quotes have been edited for brevity and clarity.