We spend a huge part of our lives at work — and when things go wrong there, it can shake more than just our schedule. You might notice that you’re taking work home in your head, replaying a conversation or dreading the next day before it even starts.

Maybe it’s a colleague who leaves you feeling small in meetings.
Maybe it’s the “in group” culture that makes you feel invisible.
Or maybe it’s the tension of trying to stay professional while quietly breaking inside.

When the workplace becomes personal, it’s not just about performance — it’s about emotional survival.

The Hidden Cost of Workplace Conflict

Conflict, gossip, or exclusion at work can eat away at your sense of belonging. It can lead to anxiety, poor sleep, loss of motivation, and even physical stress symptoms.

For some, it’s a pattern that builds slowly — the small comments, the rolling eyes, the whispered conversations. For others, it’s a major confrontation that changes everything overnight.

In our Perth counselling rooms, it is not uncommon for us to hear things like:

“I used to love my job… but now I feel sick driving there.”

Workplace conflict doesn’t always come from bad people — sometimes it’s poor communication, unclear boundaries, or a culture that rewards competition over care. But no matter the cause, it hurts.

Why “Just Get Over It” Doesn’t Work

People often tell themselves to toughen up or stay quiet. But emotions don’t clock off at 5pm. When you suppress conflict or tolerate poor treatment, the stress compounds.

Over time, chronic workplace tension can lead to burnout, mental fatigue, or even depression【1】. And for many professionals, it also brings guilt: “I should be able to handle this.”

Counselling can help you process that emotional load — not by rehashing every detail, but by helping you find clarity, confidence, and healthier ways to respond.

Understanding Workplace Culture

Every workplace has a culture — spoken or unspoken rules about how people behave. Sometimes that culture is supportive. Other times, it’s built on pressure, competition, or fear of standing out.

When you start to feel unsafe being yourself at work, it’s a sign that the culture may not be healthy.
A counsellor can help you:

• Understand your role within that culture
• Identify boundaries that protect your wellbeing
• Explore strategies to communicate effectively
• Develop resilience to stay calm amid tension

(Safe Work Australia offers helpful guidelines on psychosocial hazards and workplace relationships.)

For Employers and HR Leaders

Toxic or high-conflict environments don’t just affect individuals — they ripple through teams. Productivity drops, absenteeism rises, and good people quietly leave.

Supporting staff through counselling or an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can help prevent small issues from turning into resignations or long-term burnout.

When employees feel heard and supported, trust and communication improve — and so does the entire workplace culture.

Real People, Real Emotions

At Vision Counselling, we’ve met countless Perth professionals who walked in feeling defeated — and walked out with a plan, a voice, and a sense of relief.

One team member described it perfectly:

“I couldn’t change the people at work, but I changed how I responded — and that changed everything.”

Counselling can help you do the same. Whether you’re an employee trying to survive a difficult culture, or a manager wanting to support your team, the first step is acknowledging that emotional wellbeing belongs at work, too.

If the stress of workplace conflict is starting to feel personal, it might be time to talk to someone.
Support is available — confidentially and without judgement.

📅 Book an appointment with a Perth counsellor today — in person or online.

References

1. Safe Work Australia. (2023). Psychosocial Hazards at Work. Retrieved from https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/
2. Beyond Blue. (2024). Dealing with Stress and Anxiety at Work. Retrieved from https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
3. Black Dog Institute. (2024). Managing Workplace Stress. Retrieved from https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/

Burnout is not new, but it is hitting Gen Z workers particularly hard. A recent survey by Deloitte (2024) found that nearly 50% of Gen Z workers report feeling stressed or anxious most of the time due to workplace demands. With high expectations, financial pressures, and a blurred work-life balance, Gen Z is experiencing burnout at unprecedented rates.

Workplace burnout can affect mental health, productivity, and overall well-being. In this article, we explore why Gen Z is more vulnerable to burnout and how individuals and employers can take steps to manage it effectively.

What Is Workplace Burnout?

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines burnout as a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It is characterized by:

✅ Emotional exhaustion – Feeling drained, overwhelmed, and unable to cope.
✅ Depersonalization – Developing a cynical or detached attitude toward work.
✅ Reduced performance – Struggling to stay motivated and productive.

Burnout can lead to serious mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, and even physical health issues like insomnia and high blood pressure.

Why Is Gen Z Experiencing Higher Burnout Rates?

Several factors make Gen Z particularly vulnerable to workplace burnout:

1. Always-On Work Culture

Growing up in the digital age, Gen Z is constantly connected, making it harder to switch off from work. The expectation to be available via email, Slack, or other communication tools leads to poor work-life balance.

2. Financial and Job Insecurity

The cost of living crisis, student debt, and rising housing costs have increased stress levels. A 2023 McKinsey report found that over 60% of Gen Z workers worry about financial stability, contributing to burnout.

3. High Expectations and Pressure to Succeed

Many Gen Z workers feel pressured to excel early in their careers, often working long hours to prove themselves. A Gallup study (2023) showed that Gen Z is the most likely generation to engage in “hustle culture”, leading to exhaustion.

4. Workplace Mismatch and Lack of Fulfillment

Unlike previous generations, Gen Z prioritizes purpose-driven work. When their roles lack meaning or fail to align with personal values, job dissatisfaction increases, leading to disengagement and burnout.

5. Mental Health Stigma in the Workplace

Despite being the most mental health-aware generation, many Gen Z workers hesitate to seek support due to stigma. Only 31% feel comfortable discussing mental health at work (Mind Share Partners, 2023).

Signs of Workplace Burnout in Gen Z Employees

If you or someone you know is experiencing burnout, watch for these signs:

⚡ Constant fatigue and lack of motivation
⚡ Increased irritability and mood swings
⚡ Difficulty concentrating and completing tasks
⚡ Frequent headaches or trouble sleeping
⚡ Feeling detached from work or colleagues

How to Manage and Prevent Workplace Burnout

For Individuals

🧘 Set Boundaries – Avoid checking emails after hours and take regular breaks.
💬 Seek Support – Talking to a counsellor can provide tools to manage stress. Check out Vision’s Free Community Counselling Program.
🏋️ Prioritize Self-Care – Exercise, mindfulness, and hobbies help reduce stress.
🎯 Evaluate Your Job Fit – If your job is misaligned with your values, consider career coaching or counselling.

For Employers

🏢 Encourage Work-Life Balance – Promote flexible work schedules and mental health days.
📣 Normalize Mental Health Discussions – Create a culture where employees feel safe discussing burnout.
📊 Reduce Unnecessary Workloads – Ensure realistic deadlines and avoid micromanagement.
🛠️ Provide Resources – Offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) or workplace counselling services.

Conclusion: Taking Action Against Burnout

Burnout is not just an individual issue—it’s a workplace and societal challenge. Recognizing the signs, setting boundaries, and seeking support can help Gen Z workers regain balance and mental well-being.

At Vision Counselling, we offer professional support for workplace stress and burnout. If you’re struggling, reach out today—your mental health matters.

📅 Book an appointment today.

It can be particularly common among high achievers and those in competitive environments, leaving many feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and unable to celebrate their accomplishments.

What Is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome, also known as the imposter phenomenon, is the persistent belief that one’s achievements are undeserved. Despite evidence of success, individuals often attribute their accomplishments to luck or external factors rather than their own abilities.

This internal narrative can create a cycle of self-doubt and fear of being ‘found out.’ It’s particularly common in:

✅ Workplaces
✅ Academic settings
✅ Underrepresented groups, where additional pressures to prove worth exist
✅ Social media spaces, where unrealistic standards of success and perfection are portrayed

How Does Imposter Syndrome Show Up?

Imposter syndrome can manifest in various ways, including:

🔹 Workplace Anxiety

• Fear of speaking up in meetings
• Avoiding leadership roles
• Reluctance to share ideas

🔹 Overworking & Burnout

• Compensating for perceived inadequacies by working excessively
• Feeling like you must prove your worth constantly

🔹 Perfectionism

• Setting unrealistic standards and feeling disappointed even after success
• Fear of making mistakes or being judged

🔹 Relationship Imbalances

• Fear of rejection or not being ‘good enough’
• Compromising boundaries and sacrificing personal needs to gain validation

How Does It Differ From Performance Anxiety?

While performance anxiety is temporary and related to a specific task, imposter syndrome is ongoing. It lingers in the background, fuelling chronic self-doubt and undermining confidence across various aspects of life.

Breaking the Cycle: Tools to Manage Imposter Syndrome

The good news is that imposter syndrome can be managed with the right strategies. Counselling provides a supportive space to explore these patterns and develop solutions. Here are some practical steps to help:

✅ Reframe Negative Thoughts

A counsellor can help you challenge unhelpful thinking patterns and replace them with more balanced perspectives.

For example, shift from:
❌ “I’m not good enough.”
✅ “I’m learning and growing every day.”

✅ Celebrate Your Wins

Keep a journal or ‘wins list’ to document accomplishments—big or small. Reflecting on successes can counter feelings of fraudulence.

✅ Set Healthy Boundaries

In relationships, learning to assert your needs without fear of rejection can create more balanced dynamics.

✅ Practice Self-Compassion

Treat yourself with kindness and remember that everyone experiences self-doubt at times.

✅ Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

This evidence-based approach can be particularly effective in addressing imposter syndrome by targeting unhelpful thought patterns.

Counselling as an Investment in Yourself

Seeking support for imposter syndrome isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a step toward growth and empowerment.

Counselling offers:
✔ A safe space to unpack feelings of inadequacy
✔ Tools to build resilience and confidence
✔ Strategies to set boundaries and embrace success

Think of therapy as updating your mental toolkit—learning strategies that boost confidence, support emotional well-being, and improve self-perception.

When Can Imposter Syndrome Be Helpful?

While imposter syndrome is often harmful, in small doses, it can motivate individuals to:

✅ Prepare thoroughly for challenges
✅ Strive for excellence in their work

However, keeping it in balance is key to ensuring it doesn’t spiral into chronic self-doubt.

Take the Next Step

If imposter syndrome is holding you back in your career, relationships, or personal growth, counselling can help you move forward.

At Vision Counselling, we provide a supportive environment where you can:
✔ Explore fears and reframe unhelpful thoughts
✔ Develop confidence-building strategies
✔ Learn to embrace success without self-doubt

🔹 Ready to Overcome Imposter Syndrome?

Contact Vision Counselling today to book an appointment and start investing in a more confident you.

External References:

• American Psychological Association (APA): What is Imposter Syndrome?
• Harvard Business Review: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Work stress is something most of us face at some point. Whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder or juggling multiple roles, it can be taxing. What starts as a small ache can grow into a mountain of anxiety if left unchecked. But don’t worry; there are ways to manage and reduce it effectively.

Recognising the Signs

Ever feel a tight knot in your stomach before Monday morning meetings? Or perhaps you lie awake at night, your mind filled with project deadlines? These are common signs of work-related stress. It can manifest in various ways—physical, emotional, and behavioural. You might experience headaches, irritability, or a lack of motivation. The first step to managing it is acknowledging its presence.

Time Management Skills

One effective way to combat work stress is by honing your time management skills. Start by prioritising your tasks. Ever heard the phrase, “Eat the frog”? It means tackling your most demanding tasks first thing in the morning. Trust me, everything else will feel like a breeze afterward!

Consider using time management tools like calendars, to-do lists, and apps. These can help you keep track of your tasks and deadlines, reducing the last-minute rush that often leads to stress.

Take Regular Breaks

It’s tempting to stay glued to your desk to get more done, but this can actually backfire. Taking regular breaks can reinvigorate your productivity. Go for a walk, grab a coffee, or simply stretch. Short breaks help clear your mind and reduce fatigue, making you more efficient in the long run.

Practise Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness and meditation are fantastic tools for tackling stress. You don’t have to become a yoga guru, but a few minutes of focused breathing can work wonders. Apps like Headspace or Calm can guide you through short, simple exercises. These practices help you stay present and grounded, especially during chaotic times.

Exercise Regularly

Physical activity is a powerful stress buster. Ever notice how a run can lift your spirits? Exercise releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood lifters. Whether it’s a gym session, a brisk walk, or even a dance class, find something you enjoy and stick to it. Your body and mind will thank you.

Setting Boundaries

In today’s connected world, it’s easy to let work seep into every aspect of your life. But setting boundaries is crucial. Have a strict “no work” policy during family dinners or weekends. Communicate your availability clearly to your colleagues. This not only helps you unwind but also makes you more productive during work hours.

Seek Professional Support

If your stress becomes overwhelming, seeking professional help can be immensely beneficial. Counsellors and psychologists can offer strategies tailored to your needs. Here at Vision Counselling, we provide confidential services to support your mental health. Whether it’s through private practice, NDIS, or EAP programs, we’re here to help you navigate your stress.

Social Support Networks

Never underestimate the power of a good chat with a mate. Your friends and family can provide emotional support and practical advice. Don’t hesitate to lean on your social network when things get tough. A hearty laugh over a cup of coffee can sometimes be the best medicine.

Maintain a Healthy Work-Life Balance

Life isn’t just about work, despite what your workload might suggest. Make time for hobbies, relaxation, and social activities. A well-rounded life can offset work stress and bring more joy into your daily routine.

Remember, it’s all about balance. While work is important, your mental well-being is paramount. Take steps to manage stress before it overwhelms you. You deserve a life that’s balanced and fulfilling!

Your Journey to a Balanced Life

Managing work stress is like brushing your teeth—it’s something you need to do regularly. Incorporating these techniques into your daily routine can make a world of difference. From setting boundaries to taking breaks, every little step helps.

Stress is a part of life, but it doesn’t have to dominate yours. By recognising the signs and taking proactive measures, you can lead a balanced, fulfilling life. So, start today—your mind and body will thank you.

At Vision Counselling, we’re committed to supporting your journey towards a healthier, stress-free life. If you need someone to talk to, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you every step of the way.

Got any tips or experiences with managing work stress? Drop a comment below or share this post with someone who might need it!

Perhaps this is why many businesses are now actively looking into designing an employee assistance program (EAP) to help employees.

Even recent studies conclude that introducing an EAP led to an 86% improvement in work productivity and a 64% reduction in absenteeism amongst employees.

What is an Employee Assistance Program anyway?

According to the Employee Assistance Professional Association of Australia – an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a work-based intervention program.

It is specifically designed to enhance the emotional, mental and general psychological well-being of all employees and their immediate family members.

Although EAPs are often used for mental health counselling, they can also support your employees in a variety of other ways, such as helping them with:

• Childcare
• Domestic Violence
• Elder Care
• Grief Counselling
• Counselling Referrals
• Alcoholism and Substance Abuse
• Crisis Management and even
• Buying a home for the first time

Why are Employee Assistance Programs so important?

Did you know that almost 83% of the US workforce suffers from work-related, stress-causing businesses to lose up to $300 billion annually?

Not only this, but according to the American Institute of Stress, only 43% of the employees think that their employees care about their work-life balance.

Ongoing stress among employees can often lead to burnout.

Luckily by introducing an Employee Assistance Program, problems like these can be prevented by providing employees the much-needed support before their stress spirals out of control and starts to impact their productivity.

8 Ways an EAP can help employees

Now that you know how important an Employee Assistance Program is for your business, let’s look at some of the ways how EAP can help employees:

1. Increases Productivity

Did you know that businesses lose 36.6% of their productivity every year due to employees? When your employees are distracted or focused on things other than their work targets, they become less creative and demotivated at work.

EAP helps employees by counseling and inspiring them to excel at their given tasks. Thus automatically leading to increased productivity and even higher profits. 

2. Helps in encouraging a positive work environment

It is no secret that a happy employee is far more productive than one who’s not.

Introducing an EAP helps employees feel like a part of a large family, thus fostering a positive work environment.

By doing so, businesses end up building trust with their employees allowing them to feel at ease and receive instant support whenever they face a personal crisis.

This ultimately creates positive vibes within the workplace and creates a positive work environment where employees strive to give their best.

3. Allows employees to find a work-life balance  

Although an employee’s mental health and well-being is a personal issue, its effects can be far-reaching and even impact their work-life.

Countless studies have concluded that a majority of people feel overwhelmed while trying to juggle between work and home life all at once.

However, introducing an employee assistance program can help employees ease some of that burden.

From offering advice to finding child care or even elder care, the EAP experts now offer a range of services to help ease some of the stress that employees may be feeling in their day-to-day lives.

This ultimately allows employees to be more focused and create a healthy work-life balance.

4. Boosts employee retention

Engaging employees is imperative for any business that wishes to boost employee retention.

Luckily, when businesses have an active EAP in place, it allows employees to know that they have a support system to help them deal with any difficulties that may come their way.

This creates a culture of support and care while increasing productivity and decreasing employee turnover.

5. Affordable to implement

One of the significant benefits of introducing an EAP at the workplace is its cost-effectiveness.

Did you know that introducing an EAP costs less than 1% of what a businesses pay for employee health insurance?

As a result, choosing to opt for an Employee Assistance Program can lead to fewer labor disputes, disability claims and even workers’ compensation claims.

6. Reduces employee absenteeism

According to a recent Gallup study, businesses with healthy and highly motivated employees witness a 41% reduction in employee absenteeism. An EAP is designed to do just that.

From focusing on their mental and physical well-being to helping them with their personal issues, these programs help set your employees up for success.

Thus when your employees are emotionally and physically healthy, they tend to arrive at work on time, are more productive throughout the day and end up taking fewer sick leaves.

7. Keeps employees’ mental well-being in check

In one of its studies, Mental Health Foundation indicates that almost 14.7% of employees encounter some sort of mental health problem at work.

Women working full time are twice as likely to struggle with stress and mental health issues. As a result, this could often negatively impact your business and your annual targets.

To avoid such circumstances, EAP helps employees by offering them a range of services, including mental health support.

Alternatively, it also trains team leaders and supervisors to create an inclusive way of leading, thus creating a culture where employees are encouraged to step out of the closet and talk openly about their mental health issues.

8. Providing Outplacement Services

No matter how big or small, every business goes through rough patches. During these economically challenging times, businesses are forced to restructure and lay off some employees. EAP helps both employers and employees during such periods.

Its outplacement services connect employees to new opportunities while at the same time protecting employers from any potential labor disputes or litigation.

The bottom line:

With stress grappling our lives now more than ever, employers are responsible for supporting employees and contributing to their well-being. 

Implementing an EAP to help employees is one way to protect your employees and create a happy and a productive team.

If you are seeking an EAP Counselling in Perth and Western Australia, contact Vision to find how we can help your business and your employees by supporting their mental health.

Whether you’re the head of an HR team or a small business owner, you may be thinking about implementing an employee wellness program to encourage your staff members to get healthy.

There are different types of wellness programs available, whether it’s for physical fitness or mental well-being. But do these really work?

Let’s take a look at what you need to know about these programs.

What Is an Employee Wellness Program?

In general, wellness programs aim to improve the overall health of employees by encouraging them to adopt certain habits. The main goal behind this type of initiative is to keep employees healthy.

This helps reduce medical expenses and increase productivity routines within the workplace.

For those who suffer from chronic diseases, there are even specific programs designed to help them manage their condition. 

In many cases, employers will provide incentives to participate in a wellness program. These incentives can include things that promote wellness such as discounts on gym membership or counseling programs.

Popular Types of Employee Wellness Programs

There are several kinds of wellness programs to choose from based on the needs of each individual employer. Some of the most common employee wellness programs are:

1. Physical Fitness

In this kind of wellness programs, employees are encouraged to exercise regularly and eat nutritious foods. Many workplaces provide gyms and classes where employees can attend these sessions. They can also schedule personal training sessions with trainers if they prefer. It aims to help employees become physically fit and prevent injuries. After all, many office jobs require employees to sit down for long periods of time. So with a physical fitness wellness program, employees can find it easier to keep their physical health in check. 

2. Mental Health & Stress Management

This sort of wellness program encourages employees to focus on their mental health. The best example of this kind of program is the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). An EAP is a service provided by employers to address issues like stress, depression, anxiety, workplace problems, and more. They can offer counseling services, group therapy sessions, and coaching. All of these services can contribute to the employee’s ability to cope with daily life challenges.

3. Healthy Eating

Another wellness program that some companies implement is one focused on nutrition. Such programs encourage employees to eat right and stay away from unhealthy foods. Whether it’s having healthy food available in the pantry or access to healthy local-sourced food through a delivery app, this type of wellness program can help employees maintain a balanced diet.

Are Employee Wellness Programs Effective?

The answer to this question depends on the goals set forth by the wellness program itself.

If the program aims to simply improve employee health, then yes, it’s likely to be successful.

However, if the program has broader objectives in mind, this might not be the case. There are some cases wherein after an initial period of success, the effects of wellness programs begin to fade.

In other instances, it’s only beneficial to those who are already interested in health and wellness in the first place.

Should I Consider an Employee Wellness Plan?

Although there are some cases where employee wellness plans don’t work, they still have their benefits. As mentioned above, they can bring about some positive changes in your employees’ lives.

But what makes them effective? And why do we see them fail so often?

Here are three things you should consider before implementing any kind of wellness plan:

1. Make Sure You Have Enough Time to Plan

Wellness programs take a lot of planning and preparation. This means that you’ll need to decide how much time you want to dedicate to making sure your employees are well taken care of. Impulsively implementing a wellness plan without thinking about the details could lead to more problems than benefits.

2. Keep Your Goals Employee-Centered

Employee wellness programs should focus on employees. While you may want to reduce absenteeism among your employees, it can be difficult to implement a program with this goal in mind. Instead, try to have a goal that’s employee-centered. Don’t come into this initiative expecting your employees to change overnight as well. Rather, focus on helping them achieve small improvements over time.

3.  Be Realistic About Your Expectations

As mentioned earlier, wellness plans aren’t always successful. Some people just aren’t motivated enough to adopt healthier habits. So when considering a wellness plan, think about your employees’ current lifestyle and how the program can realistically help them adopt better habits.

Final Words

Employee wellness programs are a great way to promote health and wellness efforts throughout your company.

While there are different ways to integrate these programs, remember to consider all aspects of the program and keep long-term objectives in mind.

A good wellness program will not only help your company’s success, but it will also keep your employees healthy and motivated to work.

If you are considering an Employee Assistance Program for your staff, you are welcome to contact Vision to find out how we can help.