What Is Hustle Culture?
Hustle culture is when a workplace environment places an intense focus on productivity, ambition, and success, with little regard for rest, self care, or any sense of work-life balance.
This lifestyle has become increasingly popular in recent years as people strive to achieve their professional goals faster and more efficiently. Despite its popularity though, the on-the-go, no holds bar mindset has been linked to mental health concerns like increased anxiety, stress, and depression. Further, we now know that there’s a long-term opposite effect, decreased productivity. This toxic hustle culture has led to employees feeling burnout.
What is toxic productivity?
Toxic productivity refers to the belief that one must constantly be productive to succeed. This can lead to burnout and physical and mental exhaustion. The idea behind toxic productivity is that you’ll get ahead quicker if you work harder than everyone else. Unfortunately, though, this isn’t always true. The toxic productivity encouraged by hustle culture can negatively affect your well-being in the long run.
Why is hustle culture glorified?
The hustle culture concept has been glamorized by entrepreneurs who are seen as “successful” because they put in long hours without taking time off for themselves or their families. These individuals are often held up as role models for aspiring business owners who may not realize how damaging it can be to prioritize work over everything else in life.
There’s a strong correlation between social media and mental health, and social media has only made the problem even worse. Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook have made it easy for influencers and celebrities to share images of themselves working late into the night, glorifying and perpetuating a dangerous mindset among younger generations who look up to them for inspiration.
Examples of hustle culture in the workplace
One example of toxic hustle culture in the workplace is employers expecting employees to stay late or come to work early. Lofty to-do lists or demands, without enough time or resources to complete tasks, are also typical. This is one of the contributing factors to the great resignation movement.
Another example is managers prioritizing quantity over quality, sacrificing a job well done for a job that’s just, well, done.
Finally, some companies may encourage unhealthy competition among colleagues by rewarding those who outperform, instead of focusing on collaboration, teamwork, support, and a general in-it-to-win-it mentality. All in all, such a culture is not good for any employee’s wellbeing.
