Rest the right way

Are you doing Rest Right?

by with No Comment Employer BrandingHuman ResourcesStartupsWork-life Balance

December brings in both the winter along with a 2 week time where the Global North becomes dormant. It is one of those times, you see an uptick in holidays, vacations and general ennui (seriously – boredom happens if you are in the Global South).

It is no wonder that it always has a slew of flues, colds, and general health upheaval.

Let’s be real, it is the month of rest. But do we really rest when we are supposed to?

As someone who is a chronic mobile user, I remember talking to my previous manager and having a burnout discussion. Post that discussion, I switched off my notifications for both my email and chat. Unless I am on my laptop, I rarely check any notifications.

It made me ask the question- does one have to be online 24×7 to be productive?

If you ask an Olympian they will tell you categorically NO!

So why do we as people treat rest as a bad word. Because productivity is less important than visibility. You are there 24×7, people will notice you more.

Honestly, that does work in some places, but you are becoming the mule, rather than a rockstar.

I have asked a lot of questions, let me answer some of them.

REST IS IMPORTANT FOR PRODUCTIVITY. Be a Rest Rockstar

There is no way to be productive without resting. Whether you are in a warzone or you are in a corporate office, having time to unwind is vital but we end up doing the rest wrong.

This time around, let’s make resting simple, easy, and achievable.

1. Always online

No call is important that you can’t take it tomorrow. Go on airplane mode while you are resting. Take your mind off work.

2. Find a hobby

Rest doesn’t mean being sedentary, figure out a way to move while resting. Does sound a bit contradictory but having your energy devoted to other outlets is also important.

3. Sleep

If you ask any sportsperson, they will tell you that sleep plays an important role in improving performance. Get those 8 hours of Zs and try to have them in one go. Nap when you can.

The idea of constant productivity is a downfall for so many professionals.

Why not this REST season, you rest like an Olympian!

A Person in yoga pose with a green cloud behind

The Prevailing Work Culture in India: A Road to Success or Burnout?

by with No Comment Work-life Balance

India stands at the cusp of a new era. We are sprinting towards becoming the next global superpower, driven by a young, vibrant workforce brimming with dreams and aspirations. With one of the highest numbers of startups in the world—ranking third globally after the United States and China—India has indeed positioned itself as a burgeoning hub of innovation and entrepreneurship. However, in our race to the top, are we overlooking crucial aspects of workplace culture that may hinder our journey?

A Dream That Is Turning Sour

While the startup ecosystem and corporate world offer abundant opportunities, they come with a hidden cost. Employees, particularly those in high-growth sectors, are increasingly grappling with anxiety, stress, and burnout. Long working hours, intense performance pressure, and the lack of work-life balance are pervasive. As a consultant, I have witnessed firsthand the detrimental effects of these high-pressure environments. I regularly handle cases for clients where burnout, stress, and even mental health issues have become the norm rather than the exception.
More troubling is the recent trend of adopting a ‘hire and fire’ policy. In the pursuit of agility and short-term profitability, companies are quick to onboard employees and equally swift in showing them the door when targets are not met. This approach creates a toxic environment, breeding insecurity and apprehension among employees. It’s disheartening to admit, but I have often found myself in conversations with founders and CEOs, warning them that this policy is not sustainable in the long run. Sadly, many choose to ignore this advice until it’s too late, by which point the damage to employee morale and company reputation is almost irreparable.

The Neglect of the Experienced Workforce

In our obsession with the new and the young, we are overlooking a treasure trove of knowledge and experience. Employees over the age of 50 are often treated as outdated or irrelevant. This dismissive attitude disregards the wealth of experience and wisdom these seasoned professionals bring to the table. Not only is this approach short-sighted, but it also fosters an ageist work culture that ultimately deprives companies of valuable insights and mentoring opportunities that only experienced professionals can provide.

As a consultant, I urge founders, CEOs, and HR leaders to adopt a more humane, inclusive approach to work culture. Prioritize well-being, value experience, and cultivate a long-term perspective. Let’s create workplaces where dreams are not just born but are nurtured to grow, where employees thrive, not just survive.