By recognizing the difference between manageable high workloads and toxic work environments, organizations can create mental well-being programs that both support employees through temporary stress and protect them from long-term harm. Workplace mental well-being is influenced by various factors, ranging from the nature of the workload to the psychological environment employees navigate daily. While some levels of high workload are manageable—and even motivating—others can be deeply harmful when paired with poor support, unrealistic demands, and toxic work cultures.
A holistic approach to employee mental well-being should recognize these differences and provide employees with the support they need to thrive. The Spectrum of Workload and Its Impact on Wellbeing Not all high workloads are inherently damaging. Many industries experience scenarios where employees face intermittently high workloads for short bursts, typically driven by a specific goal.
These periods of intense work are often followed by a sense of achievement, leading to increased morale and team cohesion. Other scenarios involve moderate workloads with high support from leadership, which can be both sustainable and rewarding. However, things change dramatically when the workload becomes chronic and unsustainable.
When employees face unrelenting pressure, poor support, harassment from peers or bosses, and unrealistic negative consequences, they are exposed to a toxic work environment. This leads to burnout, a .
