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Writer's pictureCraig Fearn

The Dark Side of Hustle Culture: When Work Ethic Destroys Mental Health


man sat at desk

For over fifteen years, I’ve worked with professionals navigating the complex landscape of workplace wellbeing. In recent years, I've noticed a troubling trend: the glorification of hustle culture. This mindset, which celebrates relentless work and constant productivity, has deeply altered the way we approach success—and not for the better. The cost? Our mental and physical health, strained relationships, and ultimately, diminishing productivity.

Every week in my practice, I meet talented individuals—whether they're new employees or seasoned executives—who are exhausted, disconnected, and ashamed that they can’t keep up with the unrelenting pace demanded by modern work culture. This “always-on” mentality may be celebrated in social media hashtags and motivational quotes, but the long-term effects are anything but inspiring.

The Evolution of Workplace Pressure

The pressure to hustle isn’t new, but it has evolved in a concerning way. Social media and technology have amplified the message that success requires nonstop work. The boundaries between work and personal life have been erased, leading many to feel like they're falling behind if they're not available 24/7.

As a wellbeing consultant, I've observed how this shift has fundamentally altered how both organisations and individuals view productivity. The traditional nine-to-five workday is increasingly replaced by an expectation of constant availability. Professionals feel that longer hours are a marker of commitment—yet the science tells us this approach is deeply flawed.

The Science Behind Burnout

Hustle culture contradicts what we know about human performance. Our brains operate on ultradian rhythms—natural cycles that alternate between periods of high focus and necessary recovery. When we push past these biological limits, not only do we risk burnout, but our cognitive function and productivity plummet. Studies have consistently shown that after a certain threshold, working longer hours doesn't equate to getting more done; in fact, it can result in significant performance decline.

Research in occupational psychology highlights that productivity sharply decreases after 50 hours of work per week. Paradoxically, many companies respond to lowered productivity by encouraging even longer hours, perpetuating a cycle of diminishing returns. This productivity paradox is at the heart of why hustle culture ultimately fails both individuals and organisations.

The Hidden Costs of Constant Connection

The consequences of hustle culture extend far beyond fatigue. In my clinical work, I’ve seen its devastating impact in three key areas: mental health, physical wellbeing, and personal relationships.

Mental Health Deterioration

The relentless pressure to stay productive alters our stress response systems. Clients frequently report persistent anxiety that transcends work hours, difficulty enjoying previously pleasurable activities, and a growing sense of inadequacy despite performing well by external standards. The inability to disconnect leaves individuals constantly grappling with intrusive thoughts about work during personal time, blurring the lines between rest and productivity.

Physical Consequences

Our bodies send clear signals when we push ourselves too hard. Common symptoms include chronic fatigue, sleep disruptions, digestive issues, tension headaches, muscle pain, and even more severe health problems like cardiovascular stress. Over time, the wear and tear of hustle culture can significantly weaken the immune system, leading to frequent illnesses and prolonged recovery times.

Relationship Strain

Perhaps most concerning is the toll hustle culture takes on personal relationships. Many of my clients struggle to stay emotionally available to family and friends, becoming increasingly isolated as work takes priority over social connections. They report withdrawing from social activities, cancelling plans, and feeling disconnected from loved ones. Relationships—whether familial, romantic, or friendships—often suffer under the weight of relentless work pressure.

Recognising the Warning Signs of Burnout

Preventing burnout requires early intervention. Both individuals and managers need to recognise the warning signs, which often manifest in subtle ways:


  • Emotional Symptoms: Increased irritability, emotional numbness, loss of motivation, persistent feelings of dread about work, and difficulty celebrating achievements.

  • Behavioural Changes: Skipping meals, constantly eating at your desk, checking emails during personal time, avoiding social interactions, and using work as a distraction from personal issues.

  • Cognitive Signs: Trouble concentrating, increased mistakes, memory problems, and racing thoughts about work.


By identifying these red flags early, it's possible to take action before burnout becomes overwhelming.

Building Sustainable Work Habits

The good news is that sustainable work habits can be cultivated without sacrificing performance. Based on my experience helping professionals navigate these challenges, here are key strategies for maintaining both high performance and wellbeing:

Establish Clear Boundaries

Setting boundaries is essential for preventing burnout. This means defining specific work hours and honouring them, creating a clear divide between work and personal time. Additionally, professionals should learn to say no to tasks that exceed their capacity, and organisations should support these boundaries by implementing policies around after-hours communication.

Implement Recovery Rituals

Regular recovery isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Scheduling short breaks throughout the day, establishing rituals to mark the end of the workday, prioritising quality sleep, and incorporating physical exercise all help maintain peak performance without burnout. Mindfulness and meditation are also powerful tools for maintaining mental clarity.

Foster Resilience

Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back from setbacks; it's about building systems of support. Cultivate strong professional and personal networks, engage in continuous learning, and practise self-compassion. Reflection and self-awareness are also key to understanding how your work habits may be contributing to stress.

The Role of Organisations

While individual strategies are important, organisations must play an active role in fostering sustainable work environments. Progressive companies are already leading the way by offering flexible work arrangements, mandatory holiday time, regular wellbeing check-ins, and mental health support services. These companies understand that employee wellbeing is a key performance indicator and that long-term success depends on a healthy, engaged workforce.

Measuring Success Differently

Organisations also need to reconsider how they measure success. Rather than focusing solely on output, it's time to evaluate the sustainability of that output. Quality should take precedence over quantity, and long-term productivity should be prioritised over short-term gains. Metrics such as employee wellbeing, team collaboration, and work-life integration should be integrated into performance evaluations.

A Call for Change

Hustle culture is unsustainable. The future of work must balance ambition with mental health, productivity with recovery. As individuals, we must challenge the narrative that constant work equals success. As organisations, we must implement systems that prioritise wellbeing.

True success elevates all aspects of our lives, not just our professional achievements. By rejecting the toxic elements of hustle culture, we can create a healthier, more sustainable path forward—one that values both ambition and mental wellness.

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