Do you often feel anxious and stressed out due to work pressure? If such mental status continues for long, it can lead to burnouts and impact on your health. The term burnout refers to emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion from prolonged stress.  In today's hectic settings, individuals are gripped in job or career pressures that slowly depletes motivation – leaving them overwhelmed and drained.  Burnouts may occur due to personal life and job related issues. This article unravels the reasons behind burnout in the workplace, addresses its subtle symptoms, and advocates for preventive measures for a balanced lifestyle.  Types of Burnouts at Work Overload Burnout Overload burnout is a familiar and prevalent type. It occurs when individuals strive relentlessly for success at the expense of their health and personal lives.  Often affecting dedicated employees, this burnout stems from working at an unsustainable pace, driving individuals to physical and mental exhaustion. Coping mechanisms involve venting emotions and overcommitting to problem-solving, adding to stress levels. Read more: Self-learning for Career Growth: Know the Pros and Cons Under-Challenged Burnout Contrary to overload, under-challenged burnout arises from doing too little. Individuals experiencing this type feel bored and unstimulated in their roles, leading to a lack of motivation.  The absence of learning opportunities, growth prospects, and meaningful connections can result in frustration and a sense of being underappreciated. Adaptation strategies include avoidance tactics like distraction or dissociation. Neglect Burnout Also known as worn-out burnout, neglect burnout emerges when individuals feel helpless in the face of workplace challenges. It results from a lack of structure, direction, or guidance, making it difficult to meet expectations.  Over time, this leads to feelings of incompetence, frustration, and uncertainty. Coping through learned helplessness, individuals believe they cannot positively impact their circumstances. Eventually, it becomes passive and disengaged when faced with challenges at work. Read more: Effective Self-marketing Tips for Job Candidates

Team performance in offices and organisations plays a pivotal role in determining overall productivity. A highly productive team is an asset, and enhancing productivity is an ongoing endeavour. Let’s take a look into some innovative and cost-effective ways to empower your team while maintaining a harmonious and social work environment. How to Increase the Efficiency of Your Team at Workplace Encourage Open Dialogue Open communication acts as a catalyst, driving the team towards greater efficiency, enhanced problem-solving capabilities, and an overall uplift in the working spirit. It is the secret ingredient for a thriving, successful team. Encouraging open dialogue within the team is like infusing life into its veins. It is vital for fostering a truly productive environment. This practice invites team members to express their thoughts and concerns freely, creating a breeding ground for fresh and innovative solutions. It not only bolsters collaboration but also instils unity and belonging.  Read more: Antifragile Career: 10 ways to make your profession sustainable Utilise Communication Tools In today's fast-paced work environment, embracing these digital tools is one of the keys to maintaining seamless communication and fostering effective teamwork. Through these platforms, sharing information, coordinating tasks, and collaborating on projects become simplified and highly efficient.  Depending on the necessity and style of operations, office management can utilise digital platforms such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Trello to enable smooth team communication. These tools can actively create a collaborative work environment by providing a virtual space where team members can interact effortlessly. Thus, team leaders can ensure that team members remain closely connected and well-informed.  Define Clear Goals Clarity takes precedence. It is necessary to define and communicate precise objectives to guarantee that every team member comprehends his or her roles and responsibilities. A team manager can implement SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) goals to set more attainable and motivating objective.  Read more: 5 Essential Skills to Make Money Online These well-defined goals create a roadmap that guides the team's efforts. It makes the tasks and targets of each team member more accessible to grasp and accomplish. By adhering to SMART criteria, a team manager clarify expectations and also infuse a sense of purpose and direction. This propels the team towards greater accomplishments and motivation.

In the dynamic world of business and the ever-evolving workplace, maintaining structure and order is crucial. This is where the concept of chain of command comes into play. When discussing the concept of chain of command, we are essentially focusing on the hierarchical structure that outlines reporting relationships and communication channels within an organization. The organizational hierarchy is the backbone of the chain of command. This structure ensures that each employee knows their role, responsibilities, and who they report to. What is the Chain of Command? The chain of command signifies the hierarchical arrangement that governs the flow of authority and communication across an organization. It outlines the formal relationships between employees, from top-level management down to the frontline workers.  Each individual in the chain of command has a clear superior to report to. For example at the peak of the diagram, one would find the founder, owner, or CEO (Chief Executive Officer), with those who provide information to them situated directly under them. It creates a structured framework for decision-making and task delegation. Read more: How to Make Money with AI for Beginners and Professionals Features of Chain of Command Hierarchical Structure  The chain of command plays a pivotal role in establishing a hierarchical structure. It fosters both order and clarity. This meticulously designed system outlines distinct levels of authority. It facilitates seamless communication and streamlined task allocation. Through this framework, responsibilities are clearly defined, leading to efficient workflow and effective collaboration. Clarity  In a chain of command, roles, and responsibilities are intricately delineated. It leaves no room for ambiguity. This outlining ensures that each individual comprehends their exact position and contributions. The clarity empowers decision-makers with well-defined authority. It fosters alignment and cohesion across the organization through clear lines of command. Decision-making  The chain of command accelerates the decision-making process by aligning decision authority with hierarchy. This approach curbs confusion and empowers leaders to make well-informed decisions.  This heightens the organization's agility and capacity to respond promptly to challenges and changes. The hierarchical structure ensures decisions are entrusted to individuals with the appropriate expertise, streamlining the decision-making procedure. Read more: Career Networking Tips for Introverts Accountability  The chain of command inherently improves a culture of accountability. Every member comprehends their role and recognizes their responsibility to those in higher positions.  This sense of ownership nurtures a dedication to excellence and performance. It becomes a driving force behind the organization's achievements. The hierarchical structure instills a shared commitment to maintaining high standards and contributing to the organization's success. Feedback The chain of command encourages a bottom-to-top flow of feedback. Junior members are provided a platform to communicate insights, express concerns, and present innovative ideas to their superiors. This exchange fosters a collaborative atmosphere. This nurtures a culture of ongoing enhancement and expansion. The organization benefits from a collective effort to improve and evolve.  Read more: Recession-Proof Your Career With Tech Skills Advantages of Chain of Command in the Workplace Efficient Communication  The chain of command optimizes communication pathways, guaranteeing the uninterrupted flow of information. Employees know their reporting superiors and know where to seek guidance. It facilitates efficient information exchange and eliminates potential bottlenecks.  This structure ensures that relevant information reaches the right individuals promptly. It enhances collaboration, decision-making, and operational efficiency. Specialization  In the chain of command, employees direct their attention to specific tasks. This specialization cultivates a deeper level of expertise, resulting in specialized productivity. This proficiency drives operational efficiency and plays a vital role in the organization's expansion. A pool of specialized talents collectively contributes to its sustained growth and success. Read more: Career Counseling: 10 Reasons you need a Career Coach Clear Direction  Employees have directives within the chain of command. This eradicates any vagueness, serving as a compass for actions. The chain of command provides a clear roadmap that empowers individuals to execute tasks effectively. This guidance ensures seamless task performance and contributes to streamlined operations. Stability  Stability contributes to a sound workplace atmosphere. It grants employees a clear understanding of both the organization's trajectory and their own roles within it. This sense of predictability nurtures a conducive environment for productivity. Also, employees navigate their responsibilities with a firm grasp of the organization's direction. Productivity Within a hierarchy, supervisors and managers cultivate intimate collaborations with their subordinates. It ensures an understanding of their roles. This involvement enables them to stay informed about ongoing tasks, enhancing accountability. As employees receive guidance toward achievement, their enthusiasm, and efficiency surge. This behavior yields heightened motivation and productivity levels. Read more: Interview Anxiety: How to calm your nerves and avoid stress

Nuri (35) starts her day at 6 am throughout the week. After cleaning the home, making breakfast, and preparing tiffin for her husband and children, Nuri starts for office at 7:30 am. After returning from the office, she has to do chores like cooking, feeding the kids, serving food to family members, cleaning dishes, etc. She goes to sleep after 1 am. She never gets a single day for rest throughout the week. Inadequate sleep and the regular pressure of maintaining work-life balance are pushing her into depression. Samira (28) commutes to the office every day by public transport. As her office does not provide any transport facility, it is a regular hassle to reach office on time, commuting through the overwhelming traffic jam of Dhaka city. While riding heavily congested public transport, Samira feels worried about physical molestation and harassment. She also feels insecure while returning home from work in the evening. These regular anxieties are hampering her performance at work. Farin (25) works in a private company in Dhaka city. At her workplace, while protesting unwanted flirting and intimidation, she has been threatened by a senior male colleague. Though she got support from her female colleagues, the office management has more or less ignored the issue. As her company lacks an effective HR department, she didn’t get the scope to file a formal complaint. Furthermore, she has faced judgemental comments from senior colleagues on her “choice of clothing”. She has developed stress-related insomnia. Read More: Pregnancy Anxiety? How to reduce the stress of pregnant mothers? When Afrin (40) joined a marketing agency with a female boss, where close to 80% of the workforce are also women, she expected a safe environment. However, her professional growth has induced jealousy among some colleagues. Though she works hard and often goes the extra mile to achieve the sales targets, her male colleagues label her success as a product of “flattery and favoritism”. She finds the environment demotivating. Mahin (32) is a working mother with an 18-month-old son. As her office has no day-care facility for children, she finds no alternative but to leave her son with a relative or domestic worker during her office hours. Sometimes she feels stressed at work when her child is unwell. Though she looks after her son before and after work, her in-laws often talk about her “negligence” in maternal duties – directly and indirectly putting pressure on her to leave her job and stay home. The constant stress and disagreement at home are taking a toll on her mental health. These scenarios are not uncommon for working women in Bangladesh. Women going through anxieties over maintaining a work-life imbalance should not ignore their mental and emotional well-being. Read More: '80% of cyberbullying victims are women' Why do women feel more stressed at work? Common sources of work-related stress for Bangladeshi women include: Sexual harassment: Many institutions and organizations lack strict policies against sexual harassment. Therefore, some people take advantage and tend to harass their female colleagues. Intimidation: Some men consider themselves superior to female colleagues at work. They often tend to intimidate and dominate their female colleagues at the work, even though no involvement is required. Unsafe work environment: Sometimes male colleagues tend to make vulgar insinuations to women colleagues. Though it is not direct harassment, women feel abused and insecure. Prejudice: At work, many professional women go through judgemental attitudes from colleagues and office management for their choice of clothing, ways of living, marital status. Single mothers, and unmarried women are the worst victims of such prejudices. Read More: Protecting Your Child’s Mental Health: 10 Tips for Parents Gender discrimination in pay: From entry-level to high positions, women working in different sectors of Bangladesh often experience discrimination in pay. It discourages many bright women from succeeding in their careers. Professional jealousy: Many women professionals achieve rewards, increments, and promotions at work. However, in some cases, instead of getting encouragement from colleagues they have to go through taunts and negative comments. Such actions are demotivating.   Lack of strong female leadership: Attaining gender equality in the workplace is a challenge. However, there is a clear line between female empowerment and female leadership. In many workplaces, female professionals are leading the organizations, but the rights of all women in said organizations are not ensured. Insecurity in transport: In Dhaka city, availability of public transport is quite inadequate compared to the population. Though the government has marked some seats for women in public buses, those are very scarce compared to the number of women commuters. Sometimes women experience pushing and physical molestation while on crowded public transport. Many working women cannot afford private transport in Bangladesh. Read More: Mental Health: Types of Mental Illness and supporting someone with a mental health problem Work-life balance: In Bangladesh, women mainly have to carry out the domestic responsibilities of cooking, cleaning, child-rearing, and other chores at home. Generally, men get to relax after work. On the other hand, women bear the pressure of reaching home on time and doing the chores. Men rarely help in cooking, cleaning, or looking after children. Thus, working women are always racing to maintain the balance between work and home.

A total of 1034 workers died in workplace accidents while 1,037 others were injured across Bangladesh in 2022, a new report said on Monday. The report by the Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS), however, said that the incidents of casualties decreased by 2 percent last year compared with 2021.  It said a total of 135 workers died due to ‘repression” at work, and 155 others were injured. There were 196 incidents of workers’ unrest, and of them 115 were in the apparel sector, the report said. Also Read: Workplace accidents killed 538 workers in 2021 The BILS has prepared the survey report based on reports published in different newspapers in 2022. According to the report, 499 casualties or 48 percent of the deaths, happened in the transport sector, which is the highest in a single-sector count.  

The High Court on Sunday directed the government to submit a report on the steps taken to prevent sexual harassment of women and children in all governmental and non-governmental institutions of the country, including educational institutions, following an HC order in 2009. A HC bench of Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice SM Maniruzzaman passed the order after hearing a writ petition filed on behalf of rights organisation Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK). Read:HC asks law enforcement agencies to stop issuing contradictory statements on Cox’s Bazar gang rape case The Cabinet Secretary, Law Secretary, Public Administration Secretary and Family Planning Secretary have been asked to report the steps to prevent sexual harassment taken by the government in three months. The court also issued a rule on the preliminary hearing of the writ petition. Lawyer Syeda Nasrin and Md Shahinuzzaman appeared for the petition in the court. Lawyer Syeda Nasrin said the High Court had issued a guideline in 2009 to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace, including educational institutions. But it has not been implemented yet. For this reason a writ was filed on behalf of Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK) on October 21 last year. The secretaries of 40 ministries, including public administration, the registrar general of the Supreme Court, the Bar Council and the University Grants Commission (UGC) were made respondents in that petition. Read:HC orders appointment of 84 BCS successful candidates On August 7, 2008, Advocate Salma Ali, Executive Director of the Bangladesh National Woman Lawyers' Association (BNWLA), filed a writ petition with the High Court seeking its directions to prevent sexual harassment of women and children in the workplace and on educational institutions. On May 14, 2009, the High Court bench headed by Justice Syed Mahmud Hossain issued several directives including forming committee on prevention of sexual harassment to take complaints in all institutions--educational institutions, governmental and non-governmental institutions.