Over the last two years it has become increasingly important to look after our own mental health, as well as supporting those around us – whether they are family, friends of work colleagues.
The continued pressure created by balancing a work and home life that are frequently in the same place has been difficult for many of us. The uncertainness of a competitive market and continued pressure to deliver can be very stressful, and sometimes result in mental and physical symptoms and can in some circumstances lead to ‘burn-out’.
The World Health Organisation details burnout in its 11th Revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) as “ … a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.” While many of us find significant fulfilment in our jobs, for many it also comes at the cost of draining of your emotional reserves – which may in time result in burnout for a growing number of people.
The British Medical Association 2021 observes that burnout is typically a state of physical, emotional and mental exhaustion. This can be a gradual process, with some people developing burnout over a prolonged period of time due to chronic workplace stress. This can be a difficult thing for often untrained managers and business leaders to monitor and address.
While there is a myriad of ways burnout can manifest itself, some warning signs that you – or a colleague – might be heading for burnout are:
While we all feel very tired from time to time, an ongoing feeling your energy is depleted can be a sign of burnout. Sometimes people experiencing this often feel powerless about changing their situation – or feel there is little value in trying.
One aspect commonly associated with burnout is a feeling of negativity or cynicism towards your work. This is sometimes also connected to increased frustration and irritability, or a general lack of energy or concentration.
This can be manifested in a feeling of a lack of accomplishment in doing your work. For some this can be connected with a sense of fatigue and detachment. For others it manifests in behavioural changes and a feeling of depersonalisation.
Recognising you are not coping as well as you could be is a crucial first step. Addressing the signs of burnout will also require support from those around us in helping develop a greater awareness of how we are really feeling – others will also benefit from professional support. The key is to find people you feel comfortable and someone you can talk to about how you are feeling.
Beginning taking some positive actions that help you better care of yourself can also be helpful. Looking after your physical and mental wellbeing is different for all us. Many people will see positive results ensuring they are getting enough exercise and sleep. Some people benefit from undertaking enjoyable hobbies, others through the use of mindfulness techniques such as meditation and breathing exercises.
Dealing with stress and the symptoms of burnout can be very challenging, but recognising some of the warning signs and taking positive steps to restore a healthier work-life balance does help many people feel better about their situation.
This has been a really hard time for many of us with everything we’ve had happening in our lives during the pandemic. While this is article is not exhaustive, if any of the warning signs mention here have resonated with you or can be recognised in a colleague, please do try to seek out help that feels right for you. I’d really encourage you to speak to someone you trust or find professional support if you are just not feeling yourself – it is completely appropriate for you to ask for help no matter your circumstances.
Dr Geraint Evans is a personal development coach and the author of Do One Thing (Pearson, £12.99) on sale now. Learn more about his work at www.drgeraintevans.com.
June
18jun10:0016:00Legal Essentials: Supporting Women at Work
18/06/2025 10:00 - 16:00(GMT+00:00)
Did you know that tribunal claims related to menopause, menstruation, fertility treatment and pregnancy loss are rising fast? Many employers don’t realise that these issues can
Many employers don’t realise that these issues can legally qualify as a disability under the Equality Act.
Yet most of these claims are avoidable with the right training, policies and action.
That’s why I’ve partnered with employment lawyer Hannah Strawbridge to deliver a full-day, live online course designed specifically for HR, DEI, and managers.
You will be able to:
Understand your legal obligations around women’s health issues
Recognise when they may be classed as a disability under the Equality Act
Take practical steps to reduce legal and reputational risk
Learn how to avoid tribunal claims
Handle health-related conversations and workplace adjustments with confidence
Create a legally compliant Women’s Health Action Plan
Whether you’re reviewing your current policies or building a strategy from scratch, this course will give you the legal clarity and practical support you need.
DATE: Wednesday 18th June
TIME: 10.00am – 4.00pm
PLACE: Zoom
19jun18:0021:00Discover How You Can Make a Difference at our eCubed Volunteer Social
19/06/2025 18:00 - 21:00(GMT+00:00)
Arch One
83 Rivington St, Shoreditch EC2A 3EY (the old Cargo)
Whatever your interests or skills, there’s a place for you on our passionate volunteer team. Together, we run inspiring
Join us for a relaxed evening of drinks, nibbles, and conversation with the eCubed team. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at what we do, how we do it, and the charities we champion.
Curious about getting involved? This is the perfect chance to throw yourself into the eCubed experience and see if it’s the right fit for you. All you need is a can-do attitude and a passion for creating positive change—everything else is a bonus.
Day : Thursday 19th June, 2025
Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Location : Arch One, 83 Rivington St, Shoreditch EC2A 3EY (the old Cargo)
Simply register below, let us know any guests you’d like us to bring. We can’t wait to meet you. You’re guaranteed to meet some awesome people and hopefully be inspired to get involved or even share some new ideas – no pressure, no obligation.
26junAll DayThe Brilliance Summit 2025
26/06/2025 All Day(GMT+01:00)
De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms
The Edinburgh Suite, 61-65 Great Queen St, London WC2B 5DA
We’re proud to announce our partnership with The Brilliance Summit, an electrifying one-day event for women in leadership
This isn’t just a summit—it’s a movement.
“At The Brilliance Summit, women show up, speak up, and level up. They shake off limitations, own their presence, and lean into their next level.”
Taking place in London on Thursday, 26th June this transformative event is curated for ambitious women who lead, whether that’s in the boardroom, the business world, or within themselves.
Here’s why this matters:
We’ve seen the power of what happens when women are given space to show up fully—and this is that space.
As partners, we’re excited to offer our community a discounted ticket.
Use code WeAreTheCity2025 at checkout to access your exclusive rate.
Grab your ticket now at www.thebrilliancesummit.com
Let this be the moment you stop waiting and start owning your brilliance.
26jun08:0017:00WeAreTech Festival | Hybrid Conference
26/06/2025 08:00 - 17:00(GMT+01:00)
etc.venues, St Paul's,
200 Aldersgate St, Barbican, London, EC1A 4HD
As a hybrid event dedicated to empowering women in technology, our festival continues to break barriers and redefine industry norms. This year promises an even more exhilarating experience as we bring together women from diverse backgrounds and experiences to share knowledge, inspire one another, and create new opportunities for growth and advancement in the tech industry.
The WeAreTech Festival is a beacon of inspiration for women in the tech industry, urging them to confidently stride forward in their careers. Our goal is simple yet profound: to inspire and motivate every attendee to take bold steps towards their professional aspirations.
Throughout the day, you’ll have unparalleled access to the wisdom and insights of senior leaders in the tech field. Engage with thought-provoking discussions through our panels, where you can contribute your perspectives and glean invaluable knowledge from industry experts.
But that’s not all. The afternoon sessions are designed to put you in the driver’s seat of your learning journey. Tailor your experience to your needs and interests, shaping your path towards growth and success in the tech world.
And let’s not forget the added perks of speed networking and mentoring. Connect with like-minded individuals, forge meaningful relationships, and gain invaluable guidance from seasoned professionals who are eager to support your journey.
At the WeAreTech Festival, we believe in empowering women to embrace their potential and seize every opportunity that comes their way. Join us, and let’s embark on this transformative journey together.