Academics from The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in Melbourne are urging employers to assist workers combat burnout during the busy end-of-year period by promoting self-care and digital detoxing.

Burnout, characterised by exhaustion and disengagement, can have severe psychological and physical consequences if not managed properly and is commonly felt towards the end of the year due to work and added social commitments.

The experts suggest combating burnout by challenging the culture of glorifying overwork, encouraging self-care among colleagues and promoting a healthy work-life balance rather than glorifying constant activity.

Improving self-care, by taking regular breaks, not only benefits individuals but also positively impacts work. They cautioned against the pressure of constant urgency in today’s world, suggesting a digital detox by unplugging from technology to safeguard personal well-being and that of others.