Distinctions

Nearly 50% of professionals in Ireland struggle to switch off, and over half report feeling stressed at work regularly!

Burnout isn’t just 'being tired.' It’s a real workplace challenge, especially for young managers juggling team pressures, too many meetings, and checking emails when you're supposed to be off the clock.

Here are 3 practical ways to prevent and manage burnout, and increase your productivity:

1) Set firm boundaries
Answering emails at 9pm might feel like you're getting ahead, but in truth, blurring your downtime with work means you're not getting the reset you need to be your most productive self. Decide when your workday ends and stick to it! Use tech to your advantage by setting your work apps to 'sleep' when you're off the clock.

2) Manage your energy proactively
Taking regular short breaks during your day gives your brain micro-resets that increase productivity. This might be as simple as going to get a cup of tea, setting time blocks for heavy cognitive tasks, task switching, or stepping outside for 5 minutes of fresh air, if that works for you. Take your lunch away from your screen and get a good night's sleep!

3) If you've hit a wall, talk to someone!
Don’t bottle it up! Chat to your line manager, a colleague, or a friend. A fresh perspective often brings clarity and relief. If you're in the burn-out zone, find out if your company has an Employee Assistance Programme or seek counselling support. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not a weakness.

Remember: Looking after your wellbeing isn’t indulgent, it’s a smart career strategy.



Adapted from: Hays.ie, 'Beating burnout: how can you protect your wellbeing at work?'

Constant back to back meetings? Here's 6 quick and effective tips on time blocking to keep you on the right track:

1) Don’t underestimate time, add buffers
Ever block out 30 mins for that “quick” report… and it still runs over? New managers in fast-paced workplaces know this all too well. Always build in a bit of buffer E.g. estimate 90 mins for something you think is 60. It saves the day and your sanity when Slack pings start flying and meetings over-run.

2) Schedule real breaks not just “work blocks”
One of the biggest rookie time-blocking errors? Forgetting lunch, leg stretches and proper breaks. Treat them like non-negotiable meetings with yourself. You’ll stay sharp, less stressed, and more present for conversations (even tricky ones!). Your brain actually needs rest to be productive.

3) Be flexible, don’t treat your calendar like a rulebook
Time-blocking isn’t a rigid prison, it’s your productivity support. Today’s schedule might get interrupted by an urgent ask from a director, a team conflict that needs calming, or a meeting that runs long and that’s totally okay. Adapt, don’t panic.

4) Treat blocks as guides, not gospel
Don’t stress if something needs to shift especially in dynamic roles where priorities change by the hour. Respect your blocks, but move them when needed rather than beating yourself up. A flexible schedule keeps stress low and work quality high.

5) Break tasks down, avoid vague blocks
“Work on project” in one big chunk? Too vague. Instead, break larger tasks into clear, bite-sized action blocks. Think “draft key points”, “review with team”, “edit and send”. This makes planning possible and reduces procrastination.

6) Schedule distractions (yep, really!)
If you never leave time for messages, socials, or a bit of daily networking, they’ll keep stealing your focus. Pop a small block for them (e.g., 10–15 mins midday) so you can enjoy the scroll without guilt, then get back to what matters.



Source: Betterup.com, 'Mastering time blocking: tips & tricks to conquer your day'