This informal CPD article,' Why Self-Care is not a Luxury in the Workplace’, was provided by iGROW CorpHealth, partnering with Corporates to drive Employee Engagement through Holistic Health Solutions.
This article explores how self-care, when embedded in the daily rhythm of work, helps professionals stay focused, avoid burnout, and maintain long-term performance. Drawing from research-backed insights, we look at how booster breaks, mindfulness, and organizational culture shifts can support both individual and team well-being. If success is a marathon, not a sprint, then self-care is your recovery strategy. The shift starts with redefining what high performance looks like—where excellence is measured not just by output, but by how well we care for the people producing it.
Are you one of those professionals that wear exhaustion like a badge of honor? If you are, what comes to mind when you think of “self-care at work”?
For many, self-care still sounds like a luxury reserved for after hours—something to squeeze in between deadlines, meetings, and late-night emails. But the tides are turning: self-care isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s a professional imperative.
Burnout has been classified as an occupational phenomenon stemming from unmanaged chronic stress—something that’s become all too common across industries (1). Meanwhile, a 2023 survey found that 77% of employees reported feeling work-related stress at least once a month, and over one-third said they experienced emotional exhaustion weekly (2). So, what can we do?
Start Small: The Power of Booster Breaks
In the same way our phones need recharging, so do we. The concept of Booster Breaks—short mental or physical pauses during the workday—has gained traction in workplace wellness research (3). These mini-breaks might include stretching, walking, or deep breathing, and they’ve been found to boost productivity, reduce stress, and improve morale.
What matters isn’t the length of the break—it’s the intention. Giving yourself permission to reset, even briefly, can shift your nervous system from “fight or flight” to “rest and restore.” On top of allowing you to unwind, it directly improves focus and output.
Mindfulness as a Workplace Muscle
Mindfulness has been widely validated as a tool for stress reduction, emotional regulation, and focus. But more than just sitting in silence, mindfulness in the workplace means being present, especially in moments of high pressure or complexity.
Incorporating simple breathing exercises, reflective pauses, or guided meditations into your daily routine can help prevent emotional fatigue before it starts. Mindfulness apps or guided meditation platforms are increasingly being used by organizations to support collective mental well-being. In fact, organizations that promote mindfulness have employees who perform better and have better workplace relationships (4).
Rethinking Performance: From Output to Sustainability
The ultimate goal is not to work harder, but to work better—and sustainably. Self-care is how we protect the resources that fuel our performance: attention, motivation, energy, and resilience.
High-achieving professionals may worry that slowing down equals falling behind. Unfortunately, many professionals still fear judgment when taking a break or saying no. But the opposite is often true. Employees who prioritize rest, reflection, and balance show higher retention, greater creativity, and better decision-making over time.
Final Thoughts
Self-care is no longer optional. It's the shift modern workplaces must embrace to unlock long-term performance, innovation, and employee well-being. From leadership modeling to intentional breaks, prioritizing wellness isn't just the right thing to do—it's the smart thing to do.
We hope this article was helpful. For more information from iGROW CorpHealth, please visit their CPD Member Directory page. Alternatively, you can go to the CPD Industry Hubs for more articles, courses and events relevant to your Continuing Professional Development requirements.
REFERENCES
- https://www.who.int/news/item/28-05-2019-burn-out-an-occupational-phenomenon-international-classification-of-diseases
- https://www.apa.org/pubs/reports/work-in-america/2023-workplace-health-well-being
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5081153/
- https://hbr.org/2019/05/what-mindfulness-can-do-for-a-team
