Yes, Work Is Killing You!
- Morgan Hunter
- Feb 6
- 2 min read
Into The Shadows with Paul Thallner
In this episode of Monster in My Closet, Anil and Morgan explore the workplace stress epidemic with Paul Thallner, CEO of High Peaks Group and author of Reinventing Resilience. They discuss the rising tide of workplace stress fueled by toxic environments, poor leadership, and relentless demands, alongside its consequences like burnout and reduced productivity. Paul shares actionable insights for reducing stress in the workplace, from shifting leadership paradigms to fostering resilience, while emphasizing the importance of humanity in leadership and the shared responsibility of creating healthier workplaces. These show notes include the following:
“Break all your corporate rules. I fully support anyone who violates their own policies.”
Key Takeaways
Recognize workplace stress as a leadership challenge: Accept that leadership plays a significant role in creating or reducing workplace stress. Develop emotional intelligence to understand and address stress triggers in your team.
Reimagine one-on-one meetings: Dedicate these meetings to genuine, trust-building conversations rather than information dumps. Start with open-ended questions like, “How can I support you?”
Focus on human-centered leadership: Lead with empathy by identifying and removing barriers for employees. Support them in their challenges with solutions rather than judgment.
Encourage healthy stress while avoiding harmful pressures: Differentiate between motivating challenges and unnecessary stressors. Set clear, achievable expectations without overwhelming employees.
Adopt flexible and empowering workplace policies: Experiment with initiatives like “No Meeting Tuesdays” to give employees time to focus and recharge. Empower teams to make decisions aligned with organizational values.
Monitor and respond to warning signs: Use qualitative feedback from one-on-one meetings or small group discussions to identify signs of burnout early. Offer support proactively.
“I wasn’t always a monster. Software-as-a-service made me this way.”
Research and Statistics
WHO Burnout Epidemic: The World Health Organization classified burnout as an occupational phenomenon, defined by energy depletion, mental distance from work, and cynicism.
Gallup on Leadership and Stress: Studies show employees are 70% more likely to feel stressed if their manager doesn’t provide clear expectations or support.
Resilience Benefits: Teams that report higher resilience experience 25% less turnover and 22% higher productivity, according to Harvard Business Review.
Suggested Reading
Reinventing Resilience by Paul Thallner
Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
The Fearless Organization by Amy C. Edmondson
Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel Pink
The Art of Possibility by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander
Wrap-up
Workplace stress is an unavoidable reality, but it doesn’t have to spiral into a full-blown epidemic. Leaders have the power to shape their organizations into spaces that inspire resilience, motivation, and connection. By addressing stress with empathy and fostering a culture of trust and accountability, organizations can ensure their employees thrive. After all, healthy, supported employees don’t just produce better results—they create workplaces that make coming to work worthwhile. Let’s redefine success as something that leaves both people and profits better off.
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