Setting boundaries, resting both helpful to avoid burnout, overworking

Some members of today’s workforce are inundated with asynchronous message-based technologies, like email, on their phones, computers and even watches. Having access 24/7 to work can result in faster response times; however, there are some negative effects as well. According to research by the American Psychological Association, workplace technology has posed some challenges to worker well-being. “Telepressure” – a preoccupation and urge to respond quickly to message-based communications – is one of the challenges.

Remote workers in today’s landscape seem to be feeling the effects of telepressure even more than usual. As reported by the Society for Human Resource Management, research shows remote employees are working longer, spending more time in more meetings and having to keep up with more communication channels.

“Being able to disconnect from our electronic devices while working remotely allows us to mentally, emotionally and physically separate ourselves from the inherited tasks and responsibilities throughout our days,” says Melissa Covarrubias, behavioral health coach at the Center for Healthy Living. “Creating boundaries such as structured time frames to check emails, identifying self-care techniques and allowing ourselves permission to say ‘no’ to work outside our scheduled workday makes us healthier people overall.”

The “Don’t work more when you work from home” article from Zapier addresses how individuals can bring more balance to their lives while working from home. For example, employees shouldn't replace commute time with more work.

Additionally, employees are encouraged to take mental health breaks and mental health days. Mental health parity and addiction equity – which all of Purdue’s health plans have – mandate that the health plan must treat mental health and addiction conditions the same as a medical condition. See the “Taking time for mental health important, encouraged” Purdue Today article for more information.

SupportLinc employee assistance program on Purdue’s West Lafayette campus provides resources and tips, such as "Recognizing burnout" and "Five ways to restore balance in your life" to help employees with work-related pressures and more.

The resources mentioned above and below support the behavioral health pillar – which advocates for integrated care programs that focus on behavioral health and community support – of Purdue’s Healthy Boiler Program. 

ADDITIONAL MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

To assist faculty and staff

Review the “Mental Health Resources” webpage for a variety of available resources for faculty and staff, including EAP resources for all Purdue campuses.

To assist students

Faculty and staff, who work with students or have a student at home, can direct students to the resources below for behavioral health assistance. Note: LiveHealth Online Psychology and LiveHealth Online Psychiatry services are also available to Purdue students who are covered on a Purdue health plan. Mental health visits through LiveHealth Online are covered at 100 percent on the Purdue student health plan.  

Office of the Dean of Students

• Continuous network of support
• Services and information
• Presentations and trainings
• Student of Concern reporting link

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

• Therapy services at CAPS
• Self-help resources
• Group therapy
• CAPS YouTube channel
• NAMI On Campus – A free, virtual support group on campus.
• Thriving Campus – Service that provides students a way to search for mental health providers in many areas, locally and across the country.
• WellTrack – Interactive, self-help therapy app.