Workplace stress can have a significant impact on one’s health, as solicitor Lara Cox discovered. The 33-year-old from Porthcawl, Bridgend county, found herself dependent on strong painkillers as a result of burnout caused by work-related stress. At her lowest point, she was consuming up to 12 codeine tablets daily, struggling to get through each day without feeling unwell.
Burnout, recognized by the World Health Organization as a state of physical and emotional exhaustion, is a growing concern in today’s workforce. The pressure to excel in the workplace, often fueled by societal expectations and the ‘hustle culture,’ can lead individuals to prioritize work over their well-being.
Lara Cox, who previously held a senior role in the financial sector, admitted that she had lost her work-life balance in the pursuit of career success. She emphasized that the stress she experienced was not attributed to her company but rather to how she managed the overwhelming demands of her role.
Her experience is not an isolated case. The Wales Trade Union Congress (TUC) highlighted a concerning trend of workers turning to alcohol and prescription drugs to cope with work-related stress and burnout. General Secretary Shavanah Taj pointed out that the burden of stress and burnout often falls heavily on women, particularly due to childcare and caring responsibilities.
In response to these challenges, the Wales TUC has advocated for flexible working arrangements for all employees, recognizing the need for a healthier and more inclusive work environment. The call for measures that prioritize work-life balance reflects the growing awareness of the detrimental effects of prolonged workplace stress.
Dr. Liza Thomas-Emrus, the lead clinician for the Wellness Improvement Service (WISE) at Cwm Taf Morgannwg health board, emphasized the distinction between stress and burnout. She highlighted that burnout, stemming from sustained and unresolved workplace stress, poses a significant risk to individuals’ well-being.
Lara Cox’s journey to recovery involved finding support through activities that had a positive impact on her life, such as yoga and sea-dipping. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking help and prioritizing self-care in the face of workplace stress.
