How the double journey affects women’s mental health and what companies can do to help
The emotional, physical and mental exhaustion caused by Burnout has affected an increasing number of women in the corporate environment. Although work stress is a reality for many professionals, women face a silent and persistent aggravating circumstance: the double journey. In addition to the requirements of formal work, many still have disproportionately responsibility for household chores and family care.
“This accumulated overload, often invisible, generates a deep impact on women’s mental health”, warns Fatima Macedo, CEO of Mental Clean, a pioneering society in Brazil in psychology applied to work health. “It is common for them to feel the obligation to manage everything – to be an excellent professional, the current mother, the dedicated partner and still manage the house – which increases the risk of extreme exhaustion”.
How to identify the signs of women’s burnout?
Macedo states that among the main warning signals there are:
- Constant tiredness, even after periods of rest;
- Difficulty concentration and memory falls;
- Irritability, feelings of failure or helplessness;
- Changes in sleep and appetite;
- Lack of motivation for the activities that previously brought pleasure.
According to Fatima, it is essential to seek help by noting these symptoms. “Many women still believe that it is just a phase or that they must work more, when in reality they need to stop, reflect and, above all, take care of themselves,” he says.
Good practices in the work environment
Companies who wish to promote the equity of gender and the well -being of their collaborators must act in a strategic and empathically. Some good practices include:
- Flexibility of the working dayallowing adaptable times or hybrid model whenever possible.
- Policy support policies and active parentingLike the extended license, psychological support and reception programs in the return to work.
- Promote the fair division of tasks In the teams, avoiding the recurring overload of women in support or “invisible” activities.
- Offer listening and emotional support spacesThrough internal or partnership mental health programs with experts.
- Leadership formation Recognize signs of exhaustion and tackle the theme in a sensitive and welcoming way.
“When the company recognizes that mental health is not a peripheral, but central for productivity and corporate sustainability, it takes more care of all its talents – and in particular women, who have led more than they should”, concludes Fatima.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
