Women (too) multitasking, the psychologist: “40% go into burnout”

They work, work hard to advance in their careers, take care of their children and their needs, provide meals and laundry for the whole family. Women are multitasking, or «Equilibristə»such as the theme of Non Profit Women Camp 2023 – the only event in Europe dedicated to women working in the Third Sector, which was held at the National Automobile Museum in Turin.

We asked one of the speakers, the psychologist and founder of the Tice Center Frances Cavalliniwhat happens when, however, the balance is gone and gives way to exhaustionthe feeling of alienation from work activities and the reduction of performance.

Does it often happen that women burn out?
«Let’s say that there are researches that speak of very high percentages (around 40%), considering the entire working life».

What are the warning signs?
“They are physical (tiredness and irritability), mental (one always thinks the same thoughts, negative, almost obsessively) and emotional (there is less pleasure in doing daily actions and those related to work)”.

Can exhaustion also affect performance?
“Not immediately and not always. There are women and men who can continue to “perform” even in burnout».

But how often do women throw in the towel and give up on their ambitions?
«I think the problem is upstream. How often are women educated to dream of success? Or how often are women taught to ask for help?».

What are the causes that lead women to give up?
“While job sources appear to be the main predictors of burnout in men, predictors of burnout in women include both work and family variables such as role conflict and marital satisfaction, as well as job stress. The different importance of work and home as stressors in men and women is underpinned by a social structure that continues to assign primary responsibility for the home and family to women (regardless of their employment status).

What can we do to not lose motivation?
“All studies agree that social support is the most protective factor.”

Are there strategies to keep your eyes on the target?
«For women, it is particularly important that one does not work for objectives, but for values. This means reminding ourselves every day what of what we do goes towards our values».

How can we take back our spaces even in the family, at home?
“There are two key aspects: on the one hand, tolerating losing control, on the other, learning to ask for help without experiencing it as a failure.”

So companies can be attentive to parenting

Work, family and private life: how do you do it all? Here is my secret

Happiness at work, 5 practical strategies to increase it