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Pathways to Wellness: A Guide for Working Professionals to Achieve a Healthier Lifestyle

Discussions around <keyword id="19956983" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mental-health" source="keywords">mental health</keyword> at the workplace reignited in the last few days when the death of two corporate employees made headlines. And it is no secret that without having a healthy mind, you cannot be productive. Ample studies in the last few months have pointed out the importance of mental health and it is important to talk about these issues. Today (October 10) marks <keyword id="23481940" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="World-Mental-Health-Day" source="keywords">World Mental Health day</keyword>. It is an occasion for raising awareness about mental health issues and combating social stigma. Celebrated globally since 1992, this day encourages education and advocacy for mental well-being, reminding us that mental health is a crucial aspect of overall health, especially in the workplace. <h2>Ex-Google employee experienced stress, anxiety </h2> <keyword id="23300967" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nicholas-Whitaker" source="keywords">Nicholas Whitaker</keyword>, who worked with <keyword id="19902762" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Google" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Google" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Google">Google</keyword> for 13 years, told Business Insider India in an interview that he also experienced the pressures of a high-stress work environment. “During my time at Google, I faced significant stress and anxiety. It became clear that no matter how successful you are on paper, if your mental health is compromised, it diminishes your quality of life and ability to fully engage at work,” he said. He added that <keyword id="19925554" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mindfulness" source="keywords">mindfulness</keyword> played a crucial role in his recovery, saying that mental health is not just a personal issue but a workplace concern that should be treated with equal importance as productivity and performance. <h2>How to protect your mental health? </h2> To help others protect their mental health, Whitaker shared several key practices that can be game-changers. 1. Set Boundaries: Understand your limits and communicate them clearly. This includes managing your workload, taking time away from work, and setting boundaries around communication. Protecting your time and energy is essential. 2. Practice Mindfulness or Meditation: Mindfulness was a lifesaver for him in managing corporate stress. Even dedicating a few minutes each day to meditation can help you stay grounded and aware of your feelings, allowing you to make necessary adjustments before burnout sets in. 3. Take Breaks: In high-pressure environments, it’s easy to feel that there’s no time for a break. However, regular breaks—even just a short walk or stepping outside—can significantly enhance your mental state and boost productivity. 4. Find a Support System: Having people to talk to, whether colleagues, friends, or coaches, can make a considerable difference. Building a supportive community can combat feelings of isolation, which often exacerbate mental health issues. 5. Align Work with Values: Stress and dissatisfaction often arise from a misalignment between personal values and work. Reflecting on what truly matters to you and making small shifts toward work that aligns with those values can lead to greater fulfillment. To conclude, Whitaker said, “Mental health is not a luxury—it’s essential for personal well-being and professional success. When organisations invest in their employees’ mental health, they cultivate a culture where people feel supported, valued, and empowered to excel in their work.” As we observe <keyword id="23486492" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="world-mental-health" source="keywords">World Mental Health</keyword> Day, it’s crucial to remember that prioritising mental well-being can lead to a more productive, innovative, and fulfilled workforce.

World Mental Health Day: Ex-Google employee shares tips on protecting mental health at workplace, says he experienced stress and anxiety

In May this year, a 35-year-old Delhi woman credited the <keyword id="19904852" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="apple-watch" source="keywords">Apple Watch</keyword> for saving her life h. The woman's heart rate had exceeded above normal and the <keyword id="19894961" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="apple" source="keywords">Apple</keyword> Watch urged her to see a doctor at the earliest. The woman even got a reply from Apple CEO <keyword id="19954680" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tim-cook" source="keywords">Tim Cook</keyword>. This wasn't just a one-off incident. The Apple Watch has often been credited with saving lives multiple times and at the recently-held It's Glowtime event, the Cupertino-based tech giants announced health features that are sure to improve lives of millions of users across the globe. From the Apple Watch’s sleep apnea notifications to the AirPods Pro’s hearing health enhancements, the tech giant’s latest developments provide users with more control and insight into their personal health. <h2>Sleep Apnea Detection with Apple Watch </h2> One of the most notable features unveiled last night was Apple Watch’s ability to detect sleep apnea, a condition that affects more than one billion people globally. Apple said that sleep apnea, a disorder where breathing frequently stops and starts during sleep, often goes undiagnosed, leading to serious health risks such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. Apple’s approach uses a new metric called "Breathing Disturbances." This feature leverages the Apple Watch’s accelerometer to monitor wrist movements associated with breathing patterns during sleep. Every 30 days, the watch will assess data for any irregularities and alert users if it detects signs of moderate to severe sleep apnea. These notifications will serve as early warnings, encouraging users to consult with healthcare professionals for further diagnosis or treatment. Users will also be able to view their nightly breathing data on their iPhone, categorised as “elevated” or “not elevated.” With this, Apple aims to promote a better understanding of sleep quality. Factors like alcohol consumption, medication, and sleep positions can affect breathing disturbances, and users can monitor these influences directly in the Health app. Additionally, users can export a PDF summarising three months of breathing disturbance data, providing a comprehensive tool for conversations with doctors. Apple also said that the new sleep apnea feature was validated through an extensive clinical study, the largest of its kind for this type of technology. Each participant in the study was identified as having at least mild sleep apnea, offering strong evidence for the accuracy and reliability of the feature. With approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other health authorities pending, Apple expects the sleep apnea feature to roll out across more than 150 countries, including key markets such as the US, Japan, and the EU. <h2>AirPods Pro 2 hearing health features </h2> In addition to sleep tracking, Apple also transformed its AirPods Pro 2 into a robust tool for hearing health. Recognising that hearing loss is a significant concern worldwide, with 1.5 billion people affected, Apple said that it has designed an all-in-one solution to prevent, monitor, and assist with hearing health. One of the highlights of the new AirPods Pro 2 is the <keyword id="23111953" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="active-hearing-protection" source="keywords">Active Hearing Protection</keyword> feature. This helps users minimise their exposure to loud environmental noises, which can contribute to hearing damage over time. The system operates across all listening modes by default. To raise awareness about potential hearing issues, Apple also introduced a self-administered Hearing Test feature that works in tandem with the AirPods Pro and a compatible iPhone or iPad. This clinically validated test mimics the standard pure-tone audiometry used in clinical settings. Apple said that users can take the test in just five minutes from the comfort of their home, and once completed, they receive a detailed summary of their results. The results, which include an audiogram, are stored in the Health app, allowing users to share them with healthcare providers for further consultation. <h2>Hearing assistance for those with hearing loss </h2> For those diagnosed with mild to moderate hearing loss, Apple’s AirPods Pro now function as over-the-counter hearing aids. Using the personalised hearing profile generated by the Hearing Test, the AirPods Pro can dynamically adjust the audio profile in real time to amplify the user’s surroundings. Whether engaging in conversation, watching TV, or listening to music, the AirPods Pro automatically adjust to meet the user’s specific hearing needs. This innovation makes hearing aids more accessible, bypassing the high costs and logistical hurdles typically associated with traditional devices. The AirPods Pro’s hearing aid capabilities have been clinically validated, and Apple said that it worked to ensure that the sound quality remains impeccable, even when tailoring the audio output to a user's individual needs. <h2>Long-term protection of hearing health </h2> Apple’s focus on hearing health also extends to long-term protection. Through the Noise app on Apple Watch, users can receive notifications when their environment reaches noise levels that could affect their hearing. The Health app on iPhone also provides insights into how users' hearing has changed over time. For those concerned about hearing damage from headphones, users can now set a volume limit on their iPhone to reduce loud audio automatically. Apple also said that it has ensured that all health data remains secure. Data generated from sleep tracking, breathing disturbances, hearing tests, and more is stored privately in the Health app and can only be shared with healthcare providers if users choose to do so.

Apple takes your health seriously: A look at health features announced at It’s Glowtime event

<ul class="summary-list"><li>As an HR professional of 20 years, Leigh Henderson has seen many employees make workplace mistakes.</li><li>She emphasizes that building a relationship with your manager is crucial for career success.</li></ul>This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Leigh Henderson, the 42-year-old CEO of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hrmanifesto.com/about">HR Manifesto</a> based in San Antonio. It has been edited for length and clarity.I worked as an HR leader for nearly 20 years, supporting a handful of Fortune 100 organizations before starting my online community, HR Manifesto, and podcast, HR Besties.I've seen people get in trouble in various ways at work — like having sexual relations in the office, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/work-wife-friendship-emotional-affair-cheating-2023-12">starting affairs</a>, or trusting a 'work bestie' who's sharing your secrets with your boss.These things happen rarely, but most commonly, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/things-never-do-work-hr-2024-2">getting in trouble at work</a> involves these three things.<h2 id="c2bfa6c5-d99f-407b-991f-bcf27f58c808">1. Not building a relationship with your manager</h2>One issue that often gets people in trouble is not prioritizing their <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/things-you-shouldnt-say-to-your-boss-employees-careers-2024-5">relationship with their manager</a>. I've seen it repeatedly: managers and employees just couldn't get along, so the employee wanted to avoid the manager altogether.Your manager makes key decisions such as promotions, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/pip-what-to-do-hr-exec-apply-job-2024-6">PIPs</a>, terminations, bonuses, merit increases, and more. When you don't put effort into that relationship, it can lead to trouble.I've had managers come to me and say, "I don't like this employee." Then, when I'd ask why, they would say, "He doesn't seem to like me." To me, that's on the leader, but not all leaders are good leaders, and on your end, you want to do what you can.One way to prioritize your relationship with your manager is to have a 'get to know me' conversation. In that meeting, you can ask work-related questions like: "How do you like to be communicated with?" Then, share your preferences, too. Also, if your manager doesn't have a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/one-on-one-weekly-meeting-with-boss-mistakes-2024-1">weekly one-on-one</a> with you, try to set one up.Let your manager know you'd like to stay connected to ensure they understand what you're up to and are on the right track. This will then be your opportunity to get any important company downloads from your manager and ensure you're headed in the right direction.<h2 id="f714ea42-d53c-473f-9f24-243939036805">2. Not communicating or miscommunicating</h2>People often get in trouble for saying things they shouldn't at work. I've seen situations where someone cussed someone out over email, creating a record trail you don't want to have.I worked with someone who would put 'FU' in the subject line of their emails. After a while, I realized they were using it as an acronym for 'following up.' I had no idea because he wasn't using a slash between the letters. In the absence of information, people may assume that you're a bad or rude person, and those things can accidentally get you in trouble if you aren't careful.If you know you aren't good at communicating something, you should share that with your coworkers by saying something like: "I'm not good with pleasantries over digital communications, so please don't be offended." While I don't believe it's always necessary to have small talk before every interaction, if you're talking digitally, I'd at least say "hello" before requesting favors.<h2 id="ea69e160-7f84-4c70-a6ee-c56df673e6f2">3. Alienating yourself from the group</h2>You want to create <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/work-friends-spouses-loneliness-remote-hybrid-benefits-of-work-connections-2024-6">allies in the workplace</a> — people who can protect your name in rooms you aren't in. This becomes harder when you alienate yourself from the group or show no interest in collaborating with others.Even if you're great at your job, if nobody knows you, you become harder to champion. You might miss out on important information, fail to build relationships, and be seen as difficult to work with. This will get you in trouble if you want to keep your job and can hurt your chances of getting promoted.Volunteer in meetings, share your ideas openly, and suggest solutions. You can also step into the break room for a few minutes and try to talk to a few people a day. If you work remotely, you can try to have a one-on-one with your coworkers (just like with your manager).Connecting with coworkers who can keep you grounded is also good for your mental health and well-being. If you know a teammate doesn't have your best interest at heart, I wouldn't overshare, but I'd at least try to stay connected and have a neutral relationship at a minimum.Be mindful of who you can trust at work, protect yourself, and communicate well.

3 small mistakes that can get you into big trouble at work, from an HR professional

Hepatologist <keyword id="20175163" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Cyriac-Abby-Philips" source="keywords">Cyriac Abby Philips</keyword>, better know by his social media handle The <keyword id="22296957" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="liver-doc" source="keywords">Liver Doc</keyword>, recently took to X (formerly Twitter) to share the story of one of his patients. The 40-year-old had purportedly attended a party over the weekend and suffered bleeding in his brain, landing him in the ICU on life support. While his life hangs in the balance, the doctor used this case as an example to show what alcohol can do to an individual. The Liver Doc shared two <keyword id="22579105" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="brain-scan" source="keywords">brain scan</keyword>s: one of a 68-year-old who did not consume alcohol and the 40-year-old patient who had consumed alcohol. And the difference was stark. While the brain scan of first person seems healthy, the other patient’s brain had big white splothces. The doctor explained that these patches were actually blood and that the bleeding inside the brain had increased the pressure within his skull, crushing his brain tissue. <div type="twitter" handle="theliverdr" handlename="theliverdr" favoritecount="0" retweetcount="0" id="1848328167637033401"></div>Dr Philips further said that the patient won’t make it. This is not the first time The Liver Doc has spoken about the risks of alcohol consumption and advocated for people to party without the beverage, but this post has garnered significant attention from fellow X users. One medical professional highlighted that stroke after alcohol consumption is on the rise, particularly in young people. The MD in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation said that he had first-hand experience with patients coming in for Neuro-Rehabilitation after waking up to a stroke from partying and having a few drinks. He also suggested that, contrary to the popular belief that only binge drinking is harmful, “even a single glass of beer can trigger a stroke”. Another user shared that an acquaintance had a lot to drink and passed away due to brain haemorrhage the same night. The Liver Doc commented under this, saying that strokes can occur even without binge drinking and the absence of underlying liver disease. <h2>Supporting studies</h2>There is also plenty of scientific evidence to support how more and more younger people are falling prey to storkes. A study published in Neurology said that people in their 20s and 30s who drink moderate to heavy quantities of alcohol face higher risks of stroke as young adults. The study, led by Eue-Keun Choi of Seoul National University, examined over 1.5 million participants, with 3,153 experiencing a stroke during the study period. Those who drank 105 grams or more of alcohol per week (about one drink per day) were classified as moderate to heavy drinkers. The findings showed that individuals with two or more years of moderate to heavy drinking were 20% more likely to have a stroke than those who drank lightly or not at all. The risk increased as the duration of drinking rose: two years of <keyword id="22540860" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="moderate-drinking" source="keywords">moderate drinking</keyword> increased <keyword id="22427757" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="stroke-risk" source="keywords">stroke risk</keyword> by 19%, three years by 22%, and four years by 23%. The increased risk was particularly tied to hemorrhagic stroke, caused by bleeding in the brain. Choi emphasised the importance of reducing alcohol consumption in young adults as part of strategies to prevent strokes and reduce their long-term impact on health. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114327102" title="At 95, I&amp;#39;m a gym rat. I stopped drinking wine a decade ago and eat homegrown food." mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>

The Liver Doc shares brain scan of 40-year-old on alcohol; highlights link between brain strokes and drinking

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Health startup Roon is raising $15 million at a $65 million pre-money valuation, BI has learned.</li><li>Sequoia, an existing Roon investor, is set to participate in the round.</li></ul>Health information site Roon is raising a new funding round, Business Insider has learned.The startup is raising $15 million at a $65 million pre-money valuation, according to two people familiar with the efforts.Existing investor Sequoia Capital has recommitted to the funding round, according to those people.Roon aims to replace "Dr. Google" with its website and app for consumers to ask their health questions and get expert answers.The company previously raised a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://techcrunch.com/2022/08/12/roon-wants-to-educate-patients-with-freshly-sourced-info-on-their-conditions/">$7.5 million</a> seed round in 2022. Firstmark, TMV, and Sequoia Capital led the round, with SV Angel, Maveron, and M13 participating.Terms of the deal are not finalized and could be subject to change. Roon and Sequoia did not respond to requests for comment.Roon pitches itself as a "trusted guide for health" on its website. The company provides accessible medical information to users and partners with trained medical professionals to answer specific medical questions about users' health journeys.Currently, Roon's site says it can help patients navigating fertility and family building, dementia, the neurological disease ALS, or the brain cancer glioblastoma multiforme.The company initially began by providing medical information on glioblastomas, sourcing experts on the specific condition before expanding to additional topics, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://techcrunch.com/2022/08/12/roon-wants-to-educate-patients-with-freshly-sourced-info-on-their-conditions/">per TechCrunch</a>. Roon also offers to connect users with other people experiencing similar health conditions.Roon CEO Vikram Bhaskaran, a former Pinterest executive, founded Roon in 2021 after struggling to find accessible information about his loved ones' medical conditions. He partnered with his former Pinterest colleague Arun Ranganathan, who serves as Roon's CTO, and Rohan Ramakrishna, a trained neurosurgeon and Roon's chief medical officer.Today, expert <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/health">health information</a> isn't always easy to find with a simple Google search. Patients may turn to resources like WebMD, forums like Quora, or even social media for advice on their conditions — with unsurprisingly unreliable accuracy.AI platforms, such as Perplexity and OpenAI's ChatGPT, are increasingly becoming a resource for medical questions as well. However, there have been <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/software-developers-want-ai-to-give-medical-advice-how-accurate-is-it/">concerns around the reliability and accuracy</a> of these platforms' outputs.Consensus, a search engine that helps people parse scientific papers, raised a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://consensus.app/home/blog/announcing-our-11-5m-series-a-fundraise/">$11.5 million</a> Series A led by Union Square Ventures in July to tackle a similar market.Roon aims to differentiate itself with its focus on "medically vetted" information, Bhaskaran told TechCrunch in 2022."There's so much medical misinformation… it's crazy that patients don't have anywhere to go to answer questions," he said.

Exclusive: Health startup Roon is raising $15 million from Sequoia to replace 'Dr. Google'

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Carla Hoppe left a career at PwC and EY and started a financial literacy company.</li><li>She shared the common personal finance mistakes that even her former Big Four colleagues would make.</li></ul>This as-told-to essay is based on a transcribed conversation with Carla Hoppe, 40, who left her Big Four career and founded Wealthbrite, a UK-based financial literacy company. Business Insider verified her past employment at PwC and EY with documentation. The following has been edited for length and clarity.I started my career as a solicitor and worked at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/big-4-pwc-accountant-quit-start-business-2024-8">PwC</a> as part of their legal team in the UK.A few years into my career, I relocated to the US and became a tax advisor at the company. Roughly a year later, in 2014, I moved back to the UK and continued working at PwC until 2018, when I left <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ey-ernst-young-consulting-invests-ai-strategy-training-model-tools-2023-9">for EY</a> working as a director on the international tax and transaction services team.From my early days at PwC, I felt <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/salary-of-consultants-accountants-big-4-deloitte-kpmg-ey-pwc-2020-7">Big Four businesses</a> operate super efficiently and do fantastic work. Still, the system had some creaks regarding financial literacy and business acumen. Through the work I did, which included demystifying the tax world for ordinary people, I noticed this was not just a problem among the people working at PwC but more broadly across the nation.Those experiences led me to create Wealthbrite, which I founded in 2021 after leaving EY in August 2020. We work with organizations to support their early career talent, providing them with training on navigating uncertainties around personal financial literacy and how businesses work.Here are three of the biggest financial mistakes I've seen <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/deloitte-pwc-kpmg-ey-big-four-pay-perks-rto-policies-2024-4">Big Four</a> peers and other professionals making and my tips on how to avoid them:<h2 id="6d5f070c-d99c-48d0-861b-0122708b1d25">1. Lifestyle inflation</h2><a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/banking/lifestyle-creep">Lifestyle inflation</a> can look like spending all your earnings, or even more than what you're earning, to maintain a certain lifestyle. I've had conversations with friends and colleagues who've felt pressured in this way.When you work hard and long hours, sometimes you want to reward yourself. This can look like spending money or splurging and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/signs-spending-too-much-2023-12">overspending</a> to make up for working long hours or not enjoying your day job as much as you'd like.I've probably done this myself in the early days of my career. I remember getting really excited after finishing professional exams and qualifying as a lawyer because it came with a bump in pay. It felt like I could have a bit more fun with the money I was earning.Lifestyle inflation often happens because people don't take the time to budget. I've spoken to many people, not just in the Big Four but also in other professional services, and know that many aren't actively <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/banking/how-to-budget">budgeting</a>.It wasn't common for my Big Four colleagues to talk about financial goals, but I had chats with people down the pub when they'd complain about the cost of things or confess to a spending splurge.After I left PwC and started talking about Wealthbrite, more former colleagues opened up. Some even confessed to deeper financial trouble, including large <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/paid-off-credit-card-debt-solid-plan-2024-6">credit card debts</a>.When you aren't paying attention to what's going in and out of your bank account, it's easy to fall into a habit of splurging and not realizing you're spending beyond your means.You can have fun with your money, but it's important to budget and set <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/investing/financial-plan">financial goals</a>. I encourage people to identify short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals and give yourself the opportunity to make those goals a reality.<h2 id="a7a67f71-5f24-4881-b9ac-1996f782b34f">2. Seeing investing or pensions as life admin</h2>By the time I qualified as a lawyer, I was earning more than my father ever had in his career. It meant I didn't feel super comfortable talking to family members about my financial situation.I'd never heard the word "investing" growing up.I also didn't feel comfortable speaking with colleagues about finances. One of the most damaging impacts was not making the most of my pension early in my career. I've spoken to friends across multiple industries who admit they did the same.Maximizing <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/defined-benefit-pension-transfer-wealth-from-workers-to-companies-2016-8">pension contributions</a> is probably my No. 1 investment tip for people in workplaces like mine. More often than not, you're given very generous pension offerings, both in terms of the levels of contributions you can make and that your employer can make. Not maximizing that is a big mistake.I've spoken to many peers who are now at senior levels in the Big Four or law careers, who know they are now at the top end of the income spectrum and should probably speak to a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/investing/what-does-a-financial-advisor-do">financial advisor</a>. Still, they don't do it because it feels like life admin.Not everybody makes partner, and not everyone stays in the profession. People choose to leave or take a break for personal reasons. When they do, investments can help them continue to afford their lifestyle beyond their time in that job.I think there are a few questions people can ask themselves to work out whether seeking external support from an advisor is right for them. Do they have the time and appetite to learn about finances in ways that will help them maximize their financial position? And do they have the level of expertise to do that?When you're working at Big Four companies, there are all sorts of rules and regulations about the types of investments you're allowed to make because of audit restrictions. It can get messy and complicated, so it may make sense to bring in external support to help you navigate that.<h2 id="9c17d656-847c-4c55-86c1-e19b5cc5f348">3. Thinking talking about money isn't for the workplace</h2>When I was working at Big Four companies, talking about finances really wasn't done at all outside those key times in the year when we'd talk about promotions, pay raises, and benefits.In fields like law or the Big Four, you specialize really early on. You become an expert in your field. The culture becomes one where you're expected to know what's going on, and it can feel like if you don't know something, you're at a disadvantage. This is compounded when you deal with a topic like <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/quit-my-career-live-off-savings-financial-crisis-2024-6">financial health</a>, which many consider a social taboo.Organizations need to make it easier for people to come forward and say they are struggling with financial health and well-being.I think financial well-being has become a bigger conversation in the UK following COVID-19 and the nationwide <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/cost-of-living-crisis-uk-people-turn-to-tiktok-2022-11">cost-of-living crisis</a>. Gen Zers are also much more open about money conversations than previous generations.I recommend that early career professionals talk to their peers about what works for them from a personal finance position.I'd also encourage organizations to teach people about the language of money and finance and make that part of their everyday business practices. Employers owe people a duty of care when it comes to helping them really understand their pay and financial benefits.

3 money mistakes even accounting professionals make, according to a personal finance expert who worked at EY and PwC 

Mental health has never been more critical in our fast-paced, demanding world. There have been various tragic incidents recently that pointed out the importance of mental health at the workplace. With <keyword id="23481940" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="world-mental-health-day" source="keywords">World Mental Health Day</keyword> being marked last week on October 10, countless articles and posts flooded our feeds, offering tips and tricks to safeguard our mental wellbeing. While such conversations are essential, simply discussing mental health is not enough. We must pay close attention to the factors that contribute to its decline, particularly the modern obsession with busyness. We often wear our “busyness” like a badge of honour. Phrases like “I can work 24/7 without rest” or “I was so busy that I couldn’t even have lunch” are common at workplaces today. But this mindset may be doing more harm than good. Research has increasingly shown that this relentless drive to fill our schedules can have a negative impact on our brains and hamper creativity. <h2>Employees are feeling workplace <keyword id="84644" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="burnout" source="Orion">burnout</keyword> </h2> A study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Psychology highlighted the detrimental effects of workplace burnout, underscoring that burnout is not merely a personal issue but a collective one. The study found that approximately 13% of individuals tested in Norway were at a high risk of burnout, with various factors such as work-home conflict and job dissatisfaction playing significant roles. Psychologist Leon De Beer, a key researcher in this area, told Sciencealert, “Not addressing the risk of employee burnout in time can have long-term consequences.” This statement resonates with the growing body of evidence suggesting that chronic stress and the pursuit of productivity can irreversibly alter our mental landscape. <h2>The science behind burnout </h2> Understanding the science behind burnout reveals how staying busy always affects our brains. According to a report in The Conversation, the phenomenon of burnout is closely linked to the body’s stress response, specifically the “fight or flight” mechanism. When faced with stress, our body releases cortisol, a hormone that prepares us to react quickly. While this response can be beneficial in short bursts, constant exposure to stress can lead to prolonged high levels of cortisol. Chronic stress can shrink the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory and learning, ultimately impairing our ability to think clearly and concentrate. Moreover, research published in Nature Reviews Neuroscience sheds light on the role of a tiny cluster of neurons in the brainstem known as the locus coeruleus, which regulates our alertness and stress responses. The researchers highlight how this area functions like a gear lever, allowing our brains to switch between different modes of operation. In “Gear 1,” our brains are relaxed and creative. In “Gear 2,” we are focused but not stressed. However, when we are constantly busy, we can become stuck in “Gear 3,” where our brains are hyper-alert and in crisis mode. As a result, our cognitive functions diminish, leading to decreased analytical and creative thinking. <h2>The impact of overworking </h2> A BBC report highlighted how researchers systematically reviewed data on long working hours, defining them as 55 hours or more per week, and found a significant correlation between <keyword id="401396" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="overwork" source="Orion">overwork</keyword> and various health impacts, including increased mortality rates. One major factor contributing to this phenomenon is the biological toll of chronic stress, which leads to elevated blood pressure and cholesterol levels. When we sacrifice sleep, exercise, and healthy eating to cram more tasks into our day, we are not just risking burnout; we are also jeopardising our overall health. Dr. Frank Pega, a WHO technical officer and lead author of a significant study on overwork, told BBC, “Overwork is the single largest risk factor for occupational disease, accounting for roughly one-third of the burden of disease related to work.” This statistic is staggering and illustrates just how critical it is to examine the link between our busyness and our mental health. Not only does overwork lead to heightened stress and anxiety, but it can also result in mental fatigue, decreased productivity, and even chronic health conditions. Dr. Pega’s findings reflect a broader trend: the relentless pursuit of productivity in the workplace has become detrimental. An increasing number of professionals are finding themselves caught in the trap of overwork, often resulting in exhaustion and emotional detachment. <h2>How to relax at work? </h2> Recognising the detrimental effects of overwork is the first step towards fostering a healthier work environment and lifestyle. Fortunately, there are several practical strategies individuals can implement to combat the pressures of busyness and promote mental wellbeing. Take frequent breaks: Incorporating regular breaks into your workday is essential. Short walks, stretching, or simply stepping away from your desk for a few minutes can significantly alleviate stress and improve focus. The act of disconnecting allows your brain to reset, helping you return to your tasks with renewed energy. Exercise: Engage in Physical Activity: Exercise is a powerful tool for stress management. As outlined in various studies, physical activity leads to a spike in cortisol followed by a healthy reduction, which can enhance mood and cognitive function. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day to reap the benefits. Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation and deep-breathing exercises, can stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation. Engaging in mindfulness practices can reduce cortisol levels, helping to mitigate the stress response. Encourage Open Communication: Creating a culture of openness in the workplace can alleviate feelings of isolation and pressure. Regular check-ins with colleagues and supervisors can lead to a supportive environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their workloads and stressors. Set boundaries: Setting boundaries around work hours is importatnt for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Try to disconnect from work emails and notifications after hours, allowing yourself to recharge and spend quality time with family and friends.

Always busy or love overworking? You might actually be hurting your brain and reducing creativity

Earlier this week, the death of yet another corporate employee shook the nation. Various other incidents also made headlines last month, where employees of some big companies reportedly died of work pressure. With a rise in such incidents, people are talking about the importance of <keyword id="19901232" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="work-life-balance" source="keywords">work-life balance</keyword> and <keyword id="19956983" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mental-health" source="keywords">mental health</keyword> at workplace. <keyword id="20253489" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Zoho" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Zoho" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Zoho">Zoho</keyword> CEO and Co-founder <keyword id="19914274" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sridhar-Vembu" source="keywords">Sridhar Vembu</keyword>, in a new interview with PTI, has called for a fundamental shift in how companies treat their employees. In the interview, the entrepreneur warned that organisations pushing their workforce to unsustainable limits will not be able to keep up the pace. He also called for a shift in mindset and said that people are being put in a "very big pressure cooker." <h2>Zoho CEO on putting employees in pressure cooker </h2> <keyword id="21154651" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="vembu" source="keywords">Vembu</keyword>, who has spent over two decades building Zoho into one of India’s leading tech companies, expressed deep concern over the increasing pressure faced by employees, particularly in large cities. He said that we are creating environments where workers are trapped in a ‘pressure cooker’, referring to the convergence of long working hours, grueling commutes, and the isolation many young professionals experience after migrating from smaller towns. "You already have loneliness, long-commutes, stressful work condition. So, you are throwing people into a very big pressure cooker, and very tragically, some people break, other people are broken," he told PTI. Reflecting on his own experience, Vembu stressed the importance of pacing oneself in order to sustain a long and productive career. “I have been working for 27-28 years, and I hope to work for another 28 if possible. But to do that, I cannot allow myself, or my employees, to burn out,” he explained. He argued that companies prioritising short-term gains at the expense of their workers’ health are doomed to falter in the long run. <h2>What's the solution?</h2>Vembu’s advocacy for a healthier work culture is grounded in his broader vision for corporate India. A long-time proponent of decentralising business operations, he believes that one solution to the high-stress environment is to diversify away from major urban centres. “We bring young people from small towns into big cities, and their first challenge is loneliness. Then, they face commutes that can stretch up to two hours each way, particularly in cities like Bengaluru. It’s no surprise that many feel overwhelmed,” he said. The Zoho chief pointed out that by expanding operations into smaller towns and rural areas, companies can alleviate some of these pressures, allowing employees to stay closer to their homes and communities. This approach, he believes, not only reduces stress but also fosters a more sustainable, human-centric model of growth. Beyond <keyword id="22447710" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="workplace-stress" source="keywords">workplace stress</keyword>, Vembu touched on the role of technology in shaping the future of business. He reiterated his call for tighter regulations on big tech companies, particularly in preventing the monopolisation of digital services. Drawing parallels between email, which is an open standard, and messaging services that are often locked within proprietary ecosystems, he urged the government to push for greater interoperability. “Messaging platforms should not operate in silos. We need standards that prevent monopolies and ensure a level playing field for all,” he remarked. Vembu also praised India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) initiatives, calling them a “shining success story” and a model for other nations. He highlighted how India has become a global leader in digital infrastructure, with initiatives such as the ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce) and the health stack setting new standards for the world to follow.

People being thrown in pressure cooker, different mindset is needed: Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu on India’s work culture

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with <keyword id="23300967" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nicholas-Whitaker" source="keywords">Nicholas Whitaker</keyword>, who worked with <keyword id="19902762" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Google" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Google" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Google">Google</keyword> for nearly 13 years and got laid off in 2023. He is now running a venture of his own. It has been edited for length and clarity. I joined Google over a decade ago and it became much more than just a job. At that time, Google had approximately 40,000 employees, and the atmosphere felt very much like a startup. Teams were nimble and cooperative, offering ample opportunities for personal and professional growth. There was an unmistakable sense of optimism and potential in the air. It was my first experience in the tech industry, and I viewed that period as a significant phase in my development. I gained valuable skills and benefited from the early support and mentorship of my colleagues and leaders. Perhaps this is why the experience of being laid off hit me so hard. I remember the moment vividly. It was 3 a.m., and I received a ping on LinkedIn from a colleague asking if I was safe. Initially, I thought there had been some kind of emergency—a shooting or perhaps a natural disaster. But when I checked my personal email, I discovered the real reason for their message. I found a short, impersonal email informing me that my role had been eliminated. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113637185" title="Fired from Google after 13 years of service, he used his severance to build a business around helping others with their careers" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> <h2>I was laid off without a warning </h2> What shocked me the most was the lack of warning. After my colleague's message, I checked my work email only to find out that it was locked out of my phone and laptop. I then checked my personal email and there it was, a short email informing me about my layoff, providing basic instructions about returning company property and navigating unemployment. The next few months were spent sending back my laptop, badge, and other Google gear. Along the way there were multiple errors and miscommunications from the team that made it all even more uncomfortable. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113619411" title="Rename home Wi-Fi, leave badge at office: Ex-Amazon employee reveals tricks used by employees to not work from office" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> There was only one text message from my former manager, asking how I was doing a few days after the layoff. Beyond that, I heard nothing from my old team. It was such a brutally impersonal and inhumane process. <h2>If you have been laid off, you are not alone</h2> If you’ve been laid off, the first thing I want to say is: You’re not alone, and this moment doesn’t define you. When it first happens, it can feel incredibly personal, but <keyword id="19916567" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="layoffs" source="keywords">layoffs</keyword> are usually about business decisions, not your individual worth or performance. After spending over a decade at Google, I know how disorienting it can feel. But over time, I realised that this was also an opportunity to rethink what I really wanted from my career and life. Here are a few pieces of advice that helped me navigate this uncertain time: Give yourself space to process what happened: It’s okay to feel angry, sad, or uncertain. Let yourself experience those emotions, but try not to let them dictate your next move. Take the time you need to recover emotionally before jumping into something new. Reframe the situation: As hard as it sounds, a layoff can also be an opportunity to reassess what you want from your career. For me, the layoff became a catalyst for starting my own venture and reconnecting with what truly matters to me. This is a chance to explore new possibilities that may have been overshadowed by the stability of a previous job. Invest in your health: It’s easy to get caught up in the stress of finding the next thing, but make sure you’re taking care of your mental and physical health. For me, mindfulness and self-care were key to navigating this period. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so make sure you’re refilling yours. Reconnect with your network: Don’t be afraid to lean on your network for support, advice, or job leads. It can feel uncomfortable, but remember that people are often happy to help. Reach out to former colleagues, mentors, and friends, and let them know you’re in transition. Don’t rush the next step: Sometimes, the instinct is to jump into whatever comes next to avoid the discomfort of uncertainty. But if you can, take a beat and make sure your next move aligns with your values and long-term goals. Use this time to reflect on what you want from your next role or career path. Explore new avenues: If you’ve ever thought about starting your own business, freelancing, or shifting industries, now could be the perfect time to explore those ideas. That’s what I did with Changing Work Collective, and it’s led me to a more fulfilling and purpose-driven career than I ever had before. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113800304" title="'Microsoft employee gets $300,000 for working 15-20 hours a week’: X user’s post goes viral" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> Ultimately, a layoff is just one chapter in a much larger story. It can be a painful experience, but it’s also a chance for reinvention and growth. Stay grounded, take care of yourself, and trust that you have the resilience and skills to navigate this and come out stronger on the other side.

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