Efficiency and caring at work – an awareness-raising campaign

Theme 7: Adopting the strategy of an elite athlete in the workplace

As you may have read in the Bulletin, part 7 of the Work Well Feel Well series looks at adopting the strategy of an elite athete to balance pressure and rest in the work context.

Achieving balance: Managing work stress like an athlete

Managing professional life’s pressures, much like athletes handling competition, requires both physical and mental preparation. Just as athletes cycle through preparation, maximum pressure, and active recovery phases, professionals can apply similar strategies to avoid burnout. Athletes train, sharpen techniques, and manage energy during peak moments by conserving resources, getting proper rest, and maintaining a healthy diet.

During high-pressure periods, professionals should concentrate on energy management and self-care, much like athletes do in competitions. Afterward, engaging in active recovery—light activities, reflection, and making small adjustments—helps restore energy for future challenges. Balancing effort with rest and reflection is essential for long-term success in demanding environments.

To handle stress at work, it’s important to pace yourself, just like athletes do. Focus on building up your stamina, managing your workload, and taking time to recharge after busy periods. Think of it as finding a healthy rhythm—preparing for busy times, staying focused during high-pressure moments, and then actively recovering afterward. By balancing effort with rest, you’ll keep your energy up and stay productive in the long run.

Gain more awareness on respecting your rhythm through this illustrative exercise.

Here are a few more resources that you may find helpful:

• Stroke awareness: Physical activity, a balanced diet and reduced stress are some ways to reduce the risk of strokes and cardiovascular diseases. Find out more on 17 October, when the CERN Medical Service and partners are running a stroke awareness campaign ahead of World Stroke Day on 29 October
• Cardiac coherence: The recording of the talk by the CERN Medical Service and psychologists on the topic of “Cardiac coherence” provides practical advice and exercises to help you take a moment to find your own rhythm.
• Training courses: The CERN training catalogue includes courses to work smarter not harder, balance performance and pressure and assess resilience, to help before, during and after periods of intense work

The campaign, Efficiency and caring at work, designed by psychologist and specialist in burnout prevention, Catherine Vasey, invites you to explore the topic from different angles, deepen your knowledge, share your experiences and complete exercises made available on this website. We encourage you to take an active part in the campaign and the quest for a better quality of life at work.

Keen to learn more? Read about the Work Well Feel Well project, have a look at the useful resources and watch the micro-talk recording on burnout.