Managing Mental Wellness: How to Reduce Energy Leaks

Despite winter break not being too far in the rearview mirror, the feeling of needing a break comes quickly when you’re burning out faster than you realize. But with seemingly balanced schedules and endless coffee refills, you might be wondering: Where is all my energy going?

One culprit could be what’s known as "energy leaks" — small, often unnoticed tasks or emotional burdens that silently drain your energy throughout the day. While these leaks may seem insignificant, over time, they contribute to significant mental and physical fatigue.

In hybrid work environments, you may appear productive, but underneath, you’re likely experiencing exhaustion and burnout. The societal push for the "no rest, always-on" mentality has blurred the lines between your work life and personal time, leading to increased stress and fewer opportunities for true recovery.

That’s why understanding these energy leaks is crucial to maintaining your mental health in the workplace. Recognizing where your energy is being drained is the first step in taking proactive actions to restore balance in your work life. Let’s dive into how identifying and addressing these leaks can improve your mental wellness and productivity.

The Impact of Energy Leaks on Engagement

According to Gallup’s State of Global Workplace 2023 report, only 23% of employees worldwide feel engaged at work. The remaining 77% are either “quiet quitting” (disengaged) or “actively disengaged,” leading to a global economic loss of $8.8 trillion annually. This reflects a deepening crisis in mental wellness as workplace demands rise.

Additionally, Microsoft’s 2023 research highlights that back-to-back meetings and constant demands contribute to chronic fatigue, reduced engagement, and overall dissatisfaction. These findings emphasize the urgent need for mental health initiatives that address the root causes of burnout.

Common Energy Leaks in the Workplace

Energy leaks can often go unnoticed but have a significant impact on your well-being and productivity. Here are some common leaks that contribute to mental and physical exhaustion:

• Multitasking: Constantly switching between tasks reduces focus and drains energy.
• Emotional Masking: Suppressing true emotions at work is mentally taxing and can lead to burnout.
• Unnecessary Masking: Long, unproductive meetings drain energy without adding value.
• Urgency Illusion: Tasks that feel urgent but aren't truly important lead to wasted energy on non-essential activities.

How to Identify and Reduce Energy Leaks

To manage your mental health effectively at work, the first step is gaining awareness of where your energy is going. Identifying these leaks helps you reduce unnecessary stress and improve your overall well-being.

One helpful exercise is tracking your energy levels every hour for a week. By assessing which tasks boost or deplete your energy, you can gain insight into your work habits. Shifting just 1% of your time from draining tasks to more rejuvenating activities can lead to measurable improvements in mood, wellness, and productivity.

Supporting Mental Health Programs at Work

Leaders play a crucial role in fostering mental wellness by introducing mental health initiatives in the workplace that help employees manage their well-being. Programs like employee mental health programs, aka employee assistance programs (EAPs) and workplace wellness initiatives, are key to improving overall health and happiness. If these programs aren’t available at your workplace, consider asking your employer about implementing them — or take the lead and explore how you can start a wellness initiative for your own team. Because mental health awareness in the workplace matters. 

Practical Tips to Improve Mental Wellness

To help combat energy leaks and boost your mental health in your work life, here are some practical tips:

• Set Boundaries: Set clear work-life boundaries and unplug during personal time to avoid burnout.
• Prioritize Purposeful Work: Use frameworks like the Eisenhower Matrix to focus on high-impact tasks and eliminate distractions.
• Foster Emotional Agility: Practice mindfulness and emotional awareness while promoting open dialogue and psychological safety.
• Support Physical Wellness: Prioritize healthy eating and hydration to sustain your energy throughout the day.
• Optimize Recovery Cycles: Take regular breaks and encourage physical activity to ensure you recharge both physically and socially.

Creating a Culture of Mental Wellness

Investing in mental wellness in the workplace (whether through corporate wellness programs or employee wellness programs) is essential for long-term success, not just for your organization, but for you personally, especially if you're leading a team or running a company. By addressing energy leaks, prioritizing mental wellness, and encouraging regular reflection, you can create a healthier work environment where you and your team can thrive. As mental health becomes a top priority, you'll build sustainable, high-performing habits that drive better outcomes, all while maintaining a healthier work-life balance.