On the road to success, mental blocks often act like a sudden fog for employees, descending without warning and obscuring the path forward. As a result, this haziness can have a significant impact on one’s ability to think, innovate, and execute tasks effectively.
Virtually everyone has experienced this kind of brain fog to some degree, whether it’s feeling a creative block, forgetting to do an important task, or suffering from anxiety around starting one. In fact, a Miro report found almost 60% of workers experience a mental block on a weekly or even daily basis.
While the causes of these cognitive obstacles vary—ranging from external workplace stress to personal challenges and lifestyle factors—it’s crucial for organizations to understand the intricacies of mental blocks and support employees as they go through them.
But before we dig into the signs, symptoms, and strategies to overcome mental blocks, let’s dive into why they happen in the first place.
Mental blocks are by no means uncommon, but that doesn’t mean they’re benign.
Whether a mental blockage is a sign or symptom of burnout, 65% of employees agree it increases their level of burnout. Perhaps unsurprisingly, many employees and organizations alike are concerned about the impact of a mental block on performance, but to understand how to overcome or mitigate these barriers, it’s important to understand what causes them.
Contrary to popular belief, brain fog isn’t caused by a lack of fortitude or mental toughness. When a mental block occurs, the brain reaches a limit in terms of creativity, productivity, or motivation. This often happens as a result of a variety of factors, including heightened emotions from stress or fatigue, continuous work without adequate rest periods, or even monotonous routines.
As organizations grow to understand how mental blocks manifest in employees, it becomes easier to recognize the signs and symptoms. However, this does require paying close attention to employee behavior and taking note of anything that could be impacting performance.
To identify a mental block in your own workforce, here are a few telltale signs an employee might be experiencing one in the moment:
Understanding the signs of mental blocks sets the stage for organizations to take action. But what action is required—and what responsibilities do managers have in navigating and mitigating these barriers?
At WellRight, we understand the challenges organizations face in breaking down mental blocks. Our holistic approach to workplace wellbeing ensures employees are supported across all aspects of their lives, from their physical and mental health to their financial wellness and personal purpose.
Discover how a tailored wellness program can help your team overcome mental blocks in the workplace by reaching out to an expert today.