LISTEN | How workers can protect their mental health and avoid burnout in toxic workplaces

The death of 29-year-oldCartrackemployee Gcina Dhladhla, who died in a toilet cubicle at her workplace after allegedly experiencing fatigue and exhaustion, has reignited discussions about employee wellbeing, burnout and mental health in demanding work environments. Whileworkplaceexperts stress that the responsibility for creating safe and healthy working conditions lies with employers, wellness coach David Hoff said employees who find themselves in high-pressure or toxic environments can take steps to protect their mental and physical wellbeing. This is what you need to protect yourself when in a stressful and demanding work environment.

According to Hoff, burnout is rarely caused by a single factor but rather develops over time through a combination of chronic stress, poor sleep, unhealthy eating habits and a lack of personal time. “I think there are a number of things that people can do to avoid burnout. It’s not one thing.

It’s a combination of exercise, getting good sleep, eating properly and making sure your body is getting the nutrients it needs to cope with stress,” he said. According to Hoff, one of the most important questions workers should ask themselves is: “What time am I giving myself?” He said many people become so focused on meeting work demands that they neglect their wellbeing. “Every human only has 24 hours in a day.

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You can’t create more time, but you can choose how you use the time you have. You need to realise you are as important as the job you are doing. If you’re not looking after yourself, eventually you won’t be able to perform at work either,” he said.

The challenge, however, is that many employees work long shifts and have limited opportunities to rest. In Dhladhla’s case, family members allege she worked 12-hour shifts from 7am to 7pm. Hoff acknowledged the difficulty but warned that failing to prioritise rest could have serious consequences.

“If you’re working long hours and you’re not getting enough sleep or recovery time, eventually the consequences will catch up with you. That can lead to burnout, mental breakdowns and severe physical and emotional exhaustion,” he said.

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