In today’s fast-paced work environment, understanding the dynamics of workplace wellbeing and occupational health is crucial.
One personality type that often stands out is the Type A professional. While their drive and determination can lead to success, it can also pave the way to employee burnout.
This article delves into the characteristics of Type A individuals, how their traits can lead to burnout, and what steps can be taken for burnout prevention in the UK workplace.
What’s a Type A Professional?
A Type A professional is someone who lives for their job and thrives on the adrenaline rush of being busy. They feel more productive with a heavy workload and experience a unique sense of mental clarity from juggling numerous tasks. This high-energy, high-pressure lifestyle feels amazing but comes with significant risks.
This type of employee typically experiences another level of mental clarity that comes from the hundred and one tasks added to their your plate. And sometimes, it feels amazing right?
Type A individuals often achieve this state of busyness through two primary drives:
- The pursuit of success.
- And the ever-persistent pressure that comes with the avoidance of failure.
This relentless drive feels addictive and fulfilling, but it also puts these individuals in a constant state of “fight or flight.”
This physiological response to perceived threats, originally meant for survival, has been redirected towards modern stressors like meetings, deadlines, and career achievements.
The Hidden Dangers of Constant Stress
What a lot of Type A people don’t realise is that they are living in this constant Fight or Flight existence. This is an automatic physiological response to a perceived threat. It happens when we perceive harmful events, attacks, or threats to our survival.
We have retooled our minds to transition encounters with sabertooth tigers into meetings with our bosses, deadlines, and overall success.
Unfortunately, this transition has led us to reframe stress into an absolute positive. What was once a successful Woolly Mammoth hunt has become a raise or a bonus check! The stress that is experienced during a Woolly Mammoth confrontation is now translated into our everyday life.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I personally agree with turning a negative into a positive, but the real problem happens when the body can no longer keep up with that kind of workload.
Living in a perpetual state of high stress can lead to serious health problems. Our bodies were not designed to handle such continuous stress and anxiety for extended periods. Imagine being in a constant state of readiness to face a prehistoric predator, but instead, it’s your daily workload.
Short-term stress can be manageable and even beneficial, but long-term stress takes a toll on mental and emotional health, eventually leading to burnout. Type A individuals may not even realise they are stressed until significant health issues arise.
The Physiological Impact of Stress on Type A Individuals
For many Type A professionals, a high-stress lifestyle becomes the norm, and they often don’t associate their health problems with stress. Stress Creates a Nasty Loophole in the Way Your Body Works. Chronic stress releases stress hormones that:
- Disrupt digestion and metabolism.
- Lower immune response.
- Negatively affect inflammatory responses.
- Interfere with sex hormones.
And that’s just the shortlist!
Our bodies are designed to make sure we can adapt, but with stress and anxiety, we consistently release stress hormones that have a massive impact on us.
These issues can take years to manifest, and recognising the connection to stress and anxiety can be challenging. However, understanding and addressing these impacts is vital for long-term wellbeing.
Making Better Choices for a Balanced Life
Type A individuals must understand that living in constant stress is a choice. Accepting this reality can be difficult but is essential for maintaining health. Balance is key. While it is possible to be driven, determined, and effective, incorporating balance into your life ensures sustainable success and health.
Burnout Prevention in the UK
Burnout prevention in the UK requires a proactive approach to workplace wellbeing and occupational health. For Type A professionals, recognising the signs of burnout and making conscious choices to balance their high-energy lifestyles is crucial. Organisations can support their employees by promoting stress management and providing resources for mental health.
If you’re a Type A professional, take the first step towards a healthier work-life balance. Assess your stress levels and seek ways to incorporate balance into your daily routine.
If you’re not sure if you’re burnt out and want to know, get your burnout score here if you’re a leader, or if you can get your employees to get theirs here.
If you’re interested in bringing GYST into your workplace, check out our training courses Stress Management Courses For Leaders and High-Performer and Sales Stress Management Training.
