Breaking the Chains of Busyness: Fostering Wellbeing in International Schools for Educators and Students
When I was first diagnosed with general anxiety nearly 20 years ago, the first thing I did to address it was to reflect on my constant need for busyness and efficiency. In the fast-paced world in which most of us live, a culture of busyness and constant stress has become ingrained in our daily lives. Rooted in the aftermath of the Industrial Revolution, where efficiency and productivity became paramount, this lifestyle has evolved into what some term the "Grind Culture." I want to share how this busyness culture is detrimentally affecting our teacher and international school wellbeing and offer actionable strategies to break free from its grip.
Why Busyness?
Social psychology highlights the phenomenon of "effort justification," revealing that individuals tend to assign higher value to tasks they work harder to accomplish, even if the task itself is inherently meaningless. This cognitive bias becomes particularly pronounced within a culture of busyness, as established by management scholars Blake Ashforth and Yitzhak Fried in 1988. Within schools, this culture often perpetuates mindless behavior, resulting in operating on autopilot, with teachers adhering to established rules without considering their efficacy.
Research indicates that busyness is often worn as a badge of honor, with people associating it with professional status. However, the constant grind has adverse effects on mental and physical health, leading to increased instances of disease. Organizations must recognize the long-term consequences and take steps to counter the pervasive culture of busyness.
Breaking free from the unrelenting culture of busyness requires a concerted effort to focus on core contributions. However, even when we acknowledge the long-term downsides of unproductive efforts, the fear of idleness often prevails. An experiment conducted by psychologist Timothy Wilson revealed that a significant number of participants chose to electrically shock themselves rather than sit still with their thoughts, highlighting the deep-seated discomfort with moments of inactivity within a busyness-driven environment.
Where to begin?
To understand the impact of Grind Culture on individuals, a self-assessment questionnaire can be a valuable tool. Questions could revolve around feelings at work, perceived stress levels, and the sense of accomplishment derived from tasks. This evaluation can serve as a starting point for individuals and organizations to recognize the toll that busyness is taking on their mental and physical health.
Acknowledging Effectiveness, Not Presence
Celebrating problem-solving and recognizing accomplishments can redirect attention from merely being present to being effective. Schools will want to encourage a mindset that values quality over quantity, highlighting the impact of a teacher's contributions rather than the sheer number of hours spent working. While schools often require bodies to be in a space, (i.e. while teaching, to be available to support students and manage movement around campus, etc) investigation into ways in which the focus shifts from mere physical presence in a desk, to outcomes and solutions is healthy and forward thinking.
Reviewing the Status Quo
Regularly examining habits and best practices in workload and workflow is essential for breaking free from the culture of busyness. Switching tasks can cost up to 40% in productivity, and schools who evaluate and streamline processes to minimize unnecessary activities, prevent significant energy drain. Just as in our personal health, it's helpful to regularly reflect on current habits to ensure they best serve our present needs.
Leadership Modeling
Leaders play a crucial role in shaping the workplace culture. If a true shift is to happen, leaders must model behavior that prefers efficiency, resilience, and a healthy work-life balance. Prioritize setting clear boundaries and taking time for personal development to set the tone for others.
Building Slack into the System
My anxiety greatly decreased when I began building a buffer and down-time into my day. Creating resilient systems involves incorporating slack, as advocated by Seth Godin. This includes enhanced resources, reallocation of existing resources, margins of maneuver, and human redundancy. These measures make organizations more adaptable, fostering a more sustainable work environment.
Establishing Norms Around Microbreaks
Microbreaks, brief pauses scattered throughout the day, hold immense value in revitalizing our mental and physical wellbeing. In the midst of our bustling lives, taking these small moments to step away from the demands of work can make a significant difference. Whether it's a brief walk, a few moments of deep breathing, or even a quick glance at a calming scene, micro-breaks provide a chance to reset and recharge, promoting a healthier work environment. These tiny interludes not only alleviate stress but also enhance focus and productivity. Recognizing the importance of these micro-breaks underscores the notion that sustained high performance requires intermittent moments of self-care and reflection, ultimately contributing to a more balanced and resilient approach to daily tasks.
Shift the Culture
Breaking free from the culture of busyness requires a multifaceted approach involving individual mindset shifts and institutional changes. By prioritizing productivity over mere activity, acknowledging the importance of micro-breaks, and fostering a culture that values effectiveness over presence, schools can create more sustainable and fulfilling workplaces. It's time to challenge the status quo and build a future where the wellbeing of our international school community takes precedence over glorifying busyness.
In such an environment, students will thrive, learning that true success lies not in constant activity but in finding a balanced approach. They can draw inspiration from the examples set by educators who prioritize wellbeing, ultimately contributing to a healthier, more productive learning community.
Addressing a culture of busyness is one of 12 elements of international school wellbeing that I evaluate when conducting a Wellbeing Audit. You can see and read about this comprehensive approach to shifting the culture of your international school HERE.
