“Research shows that depression and anxiety in the workplace cost the global economy approximately $1 trillion per year in lost productivity. This staggering number will likely increase to $6 trillion by 2030. In the US alone, we pay a whopping $200 billion on mental disorders, many of which result in productivity loss.” (Chronus.com)

There are many factors simultaneously taking place that it is no wonder we are feeling heavy emotions and exhaustion. With the pandemic (now six months in), protests for racial justice, masks debates, political arguments, economic stress, etc. we have an increase in the release of cortisol and adrenaline (ideal for fight-or-flight response). In addition, there are many people experiencing grief and loss from loss of friends or family, loss of a job, not making enough money, or inability to connect with friends and family.

And, yes, many of our clients tell us that they see an increase in productivity with specific teams and functions.  And yet, our HR clients and colleagues are reporting an increase in depression and anxiety amongst their employee populations potentially caused by a variety of factors such as:

2.    Employees are attempting to replicate their offices at home with limited success (of course, some have had amazing success.

3.    Younger/newer employees are missing out on the mentoring/career development and socialization of in-person work.

4.    Isolation and loneliness, especially for those living alone.

5.    They are overworking or engaging in hypervigilant activities to be “on” for employees, lest they be considered for reductions in force.

6.    Loss/sickness of loved ones due to COVID-19 or other illnesses during the pandemic, political divisiveness coming to work and getting in the way of friendships and families, and social unrest.

Yes, this is a grueling time!

Crisis Fatigue

We need to recognize that our employees (and ourselves) are most likely is “crisis fatigue.”  When our bodies remain in a crisis mode, it can wreak havoc on our physical and mental wellbeing, causing anxiety, depression, insomnia, poor decision making, burnout, and more, including breakdown.

According to researchers at Ohio State University (OSU), “crisis fatigue” is a “phenomenon that occurs as the body attempts to adapt after feeling overwhelmed and stressed.” Scientists believe that this phenomenon occurs when environmental causes put the body’s natural stress response into overdrive.

According to an article by Brad Russell, Harvard Medical School researchers have identified four stages of crisis fatigue:

1.    Heroic Stage: Individuals band together at the onset of a crisis to determine how to survive.

2.    Honeymoon Stage: The reaction to initial success that occurs when individuals feel that they are “in the same boat” as others who are also taking the same steps necessary for survival

3.    Disillusionment Stage: Individuals begin to feel physically and emotionally exhausted. Cue the onset of the allostatic overload. Hypervigilance now turns into irritation, rage, or despair.

4.    Fatigue Stage: By design, the human body cannot sustain high levels of cortisol and adrenal for long periods. This results in burnout, which can cause a person to be easily triggered or completely withdrawn. It is also the stage when people are more likely to engage in risky behaviors that are detrimental to themselves or others—hence the onslaught of alcohol abuse, drug overdoses, and suicide.

We are hearing many of our clients’ employees are in Disillusionment and Fatigue Stages right now.

Russell also points out that the Symptoms of “crisis fatigue” can occur as early as two weeks and most commonly occur within a few months of dealing with a high-stress situation. Common signs of crisis fatigue:

• Hyper-Arousal – This is a state of high anxiety in which a person feels jumpy and triggered. Some people exhibit this sign through excessive crying (without having a specific reason) or high irritability during their daily routine.
• Withdrawal – This occurs when a person withdraws and demonstrates zero response to external stimuli. Scientists warn that this symptom can go unnoticed (especially in communities with mandated lockdown or quarantine).
• Altered Sleep Patterns – Many people with crisis fatigue either sleep too much or too little. This can result in headaches, weight changes, and debilitated health in general.
• Altered Eating Habits – Crisis fatigue can result in loss of appetite or stress eating to cope.
• Disruptive Behavior – Some people with crisis fatigue report feeling that they behave “out of character” as a way of processing the new normal.

Kübler-Ross Grief Cycle

Your team may be going through grief due to loss of some sort. In Elizabeth Kübler-Ross’ model (1969), there are five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.