We live in a world where the pace of life has accelerated, and constant busyness has become the new standard. We are expected to be always accessible, respond instantly, and juggle multiple tasks at once. In the workplace—and often in our personal lives as well—there is an expectation that we reply messages and answer all the questions immediately, and the ideal worker is someone who can manage several tasks simultaneously without breaks or even a moment to breathe.
The development of technology and digital communication has brought unprecedented opportunities, but at the same time, it has created new pressures, work patterns, and expectations that rapidly drain both our mental and physical resources.
One of the biggest challenges of modern life is the overwhelming flood of information. New data reaches us through the internet at an unprecedented speed. Emails and instant messages arrive in a fraction of a second, whereas traditional mail once took several days to reach its destination. In the past, a phone was tethered to a cord at home or the office, and calls were only answered when we were nearby. Now, our phones travel with us everywhere, and we are expected to be available 24/7. News, which once arrived in morning newspapers or evening broadcasts with the calm voice of a trusted anchor, now floods our screens non-stop, 24 hours a day. As a result, the relentless stream of information and constant interruptions make it harder to focus and add to our stress—both at work and in our personal lives.
In addition to multitasking and information overload, the continuous need to update our skills and knowledge has become a central part of working life. New information, innovations, and applications emerge constantly. Organizations are rapidly evolving their processes, and employees are expected to be in a state of constant learning. This is no longer just relevant for specialists or niche fields—it affects everyone. Keeping up also means adjusting our mindset and attitude to meet the demands of an ever-changing world. While adaptability is highly valued, the need for continuous alertness can lead to mental exhaustion.
And this is not just a feeling—mental health challenges have been increasingly reflected in statistics as well. In Finland, mental health-related sick leaves have risen significantly over the past two decades, with anxiety disorders becoming a growing concern in workplace health data. At the same time, burnout—though not officially classified as a medical diagnosis—has become more common and increases the risk of developing conditions such as depression and sleep disorders, both of which can lead to long-term sick leave. When nearly a quarter of Finnish employees report experiencing mild burnout, it’s clear that this is not just an individual resilience issue, but a broader structural problem.
The boundary between work and personal life has also become increasingly blurred, adding to the strain. It is no longer enough to simply do your job well—there is also an expectation to be active and accomplished in your personal time. Hobbies are no longer just for relaxation; they have become another area for achievement. Social media amplifies this phenomenon, constantly showcasing success stories and accomplishments that can increase the pressure to do more in our own lives.
Amid all this busyness and information overload, we easily forget that human energy is not limitless. A constant rush, unrelenting pressure, and the culture of high performance inevitably lead to burnout. Workplace well-being is a frequent topic of discussion, but how often do we genuinely stop to consider what it means on a personal level?
Each of us needs space for recovery and moments to pause—without feeling guilty for not being endlessly productive. We need to reevaluate both work and leisure: How can we create a balance that protects both our mental and physical well-being? Sustainable work performance is not solely an individual responsibility; society and employers must also recognize the long-term consequences of this constant demand for speed and vigilance.
It’s time to reconsider what we value and what we define as success. Is perpetual busyness, multitasking, and continuous upskilling truly a sign of achievement, or should we also learn to appreciate slowing down, focusing, and prioritizing well-being?