In today’s work environment, there is often one unspoken rule: to be constantly efficient. To do the best job possible, to have results, to grow. At first glance, this may seem like a natural part of professional life – after all, who wouldn’t want to be good at work? But this effort, which can start as healthy motivation, sometimes gradually turns into constant pressure that begins to crush us. And we often only notice it when it’s too late.
The modern work culture is fast-paced, focused on results, often very measurable. Added to this is the pressure we put on ourselves. We want to be loyal employees, good colleagues, and at the same time manage everything outside of work. The more we try to “catch up” with everything, the more is expected of us. Gradually, our motivation can turn into fatigue, fatigue into frustration, and frustration into resignation.
One of the main sources of this pressure is constant availability. The workday often doesn’t end with leaving the office. Work moves to our phones, emails, and heads. In an environment where it’s common to respond to messages in the evening or on the weekend, the boundaries between work and personal life blur. Add to that the constant comparisons with others, whether on a team or on social media, and you can start to feel like you’re not good enough if you’re not giving 120%.
This may not appear to be a “big problem” on the outside. Quite the opposite. People who experience pressure to perform often continue to work, deliver results, attend meetings, and meet deadlines. But inside, they may be experiencing something completely different: they start the day feeling like they’re already behind. They can’t take a break without feeling guilty. They feel like anything less than 100% performance is a failure. They take their work home with them. Not only in the laptop, but mainly in the head. And even when they achieve success, they don’t know how to enjoy it. They are already thinking about the next step, the next task, the next challenge.
It is important to realize at such a moment that it is not the individual’s “fault”. It is often a combination of corporate culture, work environment and the person’s internal attitude. Some people have a deep-rooted feeling that their value is equal to their performance. Others are afraid that they will disappoint if they slow down a little. Someone has long been appreciated precisely for being able to do “more than others”. And so they don’t even know how to ask for help anymore.
What can we do about it? As individuals, it is important to start with ourselves. To notice when we work “because we want to” and when we work “because we have to”. To learn to set boundaries, not to take work home, to be able to say “no”, to set realistic goals. And also to talk to others. It is often enough to find out that we are not alone in this, and that a colleague is experiencing similar feelings.
However, the company also plays a big role. A working environment that supports open communication, appreciates not only the result but also the effort, is key. And where we can talk about overload without fear of stigmatization. We can also recognize a good team by the fact that people in it are not afraid to say that they are not up to something. And they know that this does not mean weakness, but maturity.
Companies today also have the opportunity to offer specific help. For example, through services such as EAP (Employee Assistance Program), which provide employees with anonymous psychological, legal or financial support. Thanks to this, a person experiencing overload or uncertainty can get professional support quickly and without waiting. And sometimes even understand in retrospect that what they were experiencing was not just a “weaker moment”, but a signal that they needed to stop.
Performance pressure doesn’t always have to be a problem; it can move us, inspire us, motivate us. But only to a certain extent. If it becomes a permanent state that costs us our health, relationships, or enjoyment of work, a change needs to be made. We all have the right to our own rhythm. And performance isn’t the only thing that defines our worth.
If the text of this article touches you, pay attention. Maybe it’s time to slow down a bit, talk to someone, or allow yourself to say out loud: “I’m done.” And that’s totally okay.
