Always on? How hustle culture hurts wellbeing

Hustle culture, the relentless pressure to constantly strive and “be always on,” is a complex phenomenon with deep roots in our societal structures and individual anxieties. It is fuelled by a potent mix of economic insecurity, social comparison, and the glorification of productivity.

The problem with these pressures, however, is that it often leads to burnout. In fact, Deloitte’s Global Millennial and Gen Z survey found that 48% of workers and 53% of managers are experiencing work burnout because of mounting pressures.

It doesn’t help that we live in a hyper-competitive world where job security is fleeting and the cost of living continues to rise. The fast-paced environment leads many to feel an intense pressure to prove their worth through constant activity.

The fear of falling behind, of not achieving “enough,” drives individuals to work longer hours, take on side hustles, and sacrifice personal well-being in the pursuit of success.

Social media further exacerbates this pressure, creating an echo chamber where everyone seems to be constantly achieving, traveling, and living their best lives. This curated online reality fuels feelings of inadequacy and the urge to keep up appearances, even if it means sacrificing genuine connection and self-care.

Worse, our society often equates busyness with importance and productivity with moral virtue. This creates a cultural expectation where constant “doing” is valued above “being,” leading to a pervasive sense of guilt and anxiety when we're not actively engaged in productive tasks.

The effects of this stressful environment are burnout, anxiety, and depression–conditions that have been rising today. In combating these, it's essential to recognize the systemic and psychological factors that contribute to this pressure and to challenge the notion that our worth is solely determined by our output.

Also Read: Depressed, anxious, exhausted: signs of productivity guilt?

The productivity paradox

Hustle culture thrives on the dangerous myth that more is always better, pushing employees to work longer hours, be perpetually glued to their inboxes, and constantly chase maximum output.

But this relentless pursuit of quantity often backfires, sacrificing quality and undermining true productivity. Studies have consistently shown that beyond a certain threshold, additional work hours don't translate into greater results. Instead, they lead to diminishing returns, where tired minds become prone to errors, overlook critical details, and struggle to solve problems effectively. This can trigger a cascade of consequences, from costly mistakes and project delays to a decline in overall output, ultimately hurting a company's bottom line.

Moreover, the chronic overwork championed by hustle culture takes a toll on cognitive function. Employees suffering from mental exhaustion experience impaired memory, reduced attention spans, and difficulty making sound decisions. This hinders their ability to perform at their best, stifling innovation and strategic thinking. Instead of fostering a culture of peak performance, hustle culture can inadvertently create a workforce that is mentally depleted and operating below its potential.

And the financial cost of this burnout is significant. Research has linked it to increased absenteeism, higher healthcare expenditures, and a substantial drop in productivity. Replacing burned-out employees is another expensive proposition, factoring in recruitment, onboarding, and the inevitable productivity loss during transitions. For businesses, the “always on” mentality can translate to a very real and damaging financial burden.

The pressure-cooker environment fostered by hustle culture can even inadvertently extinguish the flames of creativity and innovation. Employees need time and mental space to engage in deep work, explore new ideas, and develop creative solutions. When they’re constantly in firefighting mode, responding to urgent demands and battling an overflowing inbox, they lack the capacity for the focused attention that fuels true innovation.

In essence, hustle culture creates a productivity paradox. While promising increased output and efficiency, it often delivers the opposite: decreased quality, costly errors, and a workforce that is mentally exhausted and less capable of reaching its full potential.

Also Read: Getting through the ‘Monday Blues’

The true impact of an ‘always on’ culture

The relentless pressure of hustle culture is taking a significant toll on employee well-being, contributing to a growing mental health crisis in the workplace. The constant demands to do more, work faster, and be “always on” are fueling alarming rates of stress, anxiety, and depression among employees. This chronic state of hyper-arousal can manifest in a variety of ways, from difficulty concentrating and making decisions to physical symptoms like headaches, digestive issues, and insomnia.

When employees are constantly operating in overdrive, their mental and physical health inevitably suffers. This decline in well-being has profound implications for businesses. Stressed and disengaged employees are less productive, less creative, and more likely to make mistakes.

Hustle culture also contributes to high turnover rates, as employees seek out healthier work environments where they feel valued and supported. Attracting and retaining top talent becomes increasingly difficult when a company’s culture is perceived as demanding and unsustainable. This not only impacts productivity and innovation but also creates a costly cycle of recruitment and training.

Relentless work can breed resentment

Beyond the individual level, hustle culture can erode trust within an organisation. When employees feel pressured to constantly prove their worth and prioritise work above all else, it can create a sense of competition and mistrust among colleagues. This can hinder collaboration, stifle open communication, and ultimately damage the sense of community within the workplace. A culture that prioritises relentless work over employee wellbeing can breed resentment, leading to a breakdown in communication and a decline in morale.

The impact of hustle culture on workplace wellbeing is far-reaching and detrimental. It contributes to a mental health crisis, fuels disengagement and high turnover, and erodes trust within the organisation. Businesses that fail to address the harmful effects of this “always on” mentality risk jeopardising their most valuable asset: their employees.

Countering ‘always on’ culture with a sustainable workplace

The detrimental effects of hustle culture are clear: decreased productivity, increased burnout, and a disengaged workforce. To combat this, organisations must actively cultivate a sustainable work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and fosters a healthy work-life balance. This requires a shift in mindset, moving away from the glorification of overwork and towards a more holistic approach that values employee health and happiness. Leaders play a crucial role in driving this transformation, setting the tone and implementing policies that support a more balanced and sustainable work environment.

Here’s how businesses can begin building a more sustainable work culture:

1) Lead by example

Leaders must model healthy work habits, setting clear boundaries between work and personal time, taking regular breaks, and using vacation time. This demonstrates a commitment to wellbeing and gives employees permission to prioritise their own health.

2) Promote flexibility and autonomy

Offer flexible work arrangements, such as remote work options or flexible scheduling, to allow employees greater control over their time and workload. Empower employees to manage their own schedules and prioritize tasks, fostering a sense of ownership and autonomy.

3) Invest in wellbeing programs

Provide resources and programs that support employee wellbeing, such as mindfulness training, stress management workshops, employee assistance programs, and access to mental health professionals. These initiatives demonstrate a commitment to employee health and provide tools for managing stress and improving overall wellbeing.

4) Redefine success

Shift the focus from hours worked to results achieved. Recognise and reward employees based on the quality of their work and their contributions to the team, rather than simply the number of hours they spend at their desks. Celebrate achievements and milestones, fostering a culture of appreciation and recognition.

5) Encourage breaks and time off

Promote a culture where taking breaks and using vacation time is encouraged and valued. Discourage the “always on” mentality and create a space where employees feel comfortable disconnecting and recharging.

6) Foster open communication

Create a culture of open communication where employees feel comfortable discussing their workload, stress levels, and any challenges they may be facing. Encourage regular check-ins between managers and employees to address concerns and provide support.

Hustle culture steals our happiness

Beyond the immediate costs to productivity and employee health, there’s a deeper, more insidious way hustle culture undermines wellbeing: it erodes our capacity for joy.

When we’re constantly striving, pushing, and measuring ourselves against impossible standards, we lose sight of the present moment.

The simple pleasures of life – a meaningful conversation, a walk in nature, a moment of laughter – become secondary to the relentless pursuit of “more, more, more!” This constant state of striving leaves little room for genuine contentment and joy.

To truly combat the harmful effects of hustle culture, we must reclaim our right to experience joy. This means prioritising activities that bring us pleasure and fulfillment, cultivating gratitude for the present moment, and allowing ourselves to simply be, without the pressure to constantly do.

By rediscovering the joy in our work and our lives, we can break free from the grip of hustle culture and create a more balanced and fulfilling existence. This shift not only benefits individuals but also creates a more positive and vibrant workplace, where creativity, collaboration, and genuine human connection can thrive.