Ready to connect? As you start on the path to creating one of the best LinkedIn profiles out there, be sure to think big: How can you jump-start a conversation? How are you promoting your brand – your skills, expertise, and even your personality? But how to update your LinkedIn profile to be an authentic and engaging version of yourself isn’t just a one-step process.

Read on for our LinkedIn profile best practices.

1. Remember: You are more than your resume

Of course, your summary and job experience are absolutely essential, but this is also the time to let your personality shine. The best LinkedIn profiles also have a personal tagline, engaging photo, and a summary that doubles as your digital elevator pitch.

2. Your skills = Your keywords

When you look at “People also viewed” or “Who viewed your profile,” what comes up? Is it related to your career and interests? If it doesn’t, try changing up the wording in your skills section. It allows LinkedIn to better understand who you are and lets others in your industry find you easier.

3. Post often. Post smart.

Fewer than a third of users post at least once a month. Regularly posting means you’re regularly popping up on your Connections’ feeds. Stay away from bragging about yourself or your company – and instead share new insights you’ve learned from an article or virtual webinar. Or, post and ask your network for advice and insights.

4. Be social on your social

What you like, share, or comment on is visible to your network, so be purposeful in your interactions. Make sure to congratulate others on their latest successes or anniversaries, let someone know when you’re visiting their area – and in general, just try to share once or twice every time you log in.

5. Find your groups

When you join LinkedIn groups that reflect your interests, make sure to do some research on the group itself. What are the tone and the conversation like? Start by commenting on others’ posts and asking questions. (Avoid self-promotion!) As you become one of the “regulars,” you can slowly reach out to individuals and build 1:1 connections.

6. Ask for recommendations

You know which colleagues, clients, or managers can truly articulate your skills and work ethic. When you reach out for a LinkedIn recommendation, ask them to focus on the traits that made you stand out. Be sure to focus on the few who can give you a quality (and specific) recommendation

7. Showcase yourself

LinkedIn can be about more than sharing your accomplishments and awards (though it is great for that). Share your interests and association memberships with your network. Also, connect your website to your profile: It’s a simple way to enhance your profile (and your Google search results).

8. Make connections

Don’t just start sending requests out into the void. First of all, LinkedIn can mark your messages as spam and restrict your ability to send notes. Second, you want to find people who match up with your interests and send them a relevant, personal message.

Modeling your account after the best LinkedIn profiles takes some work. Still, it pays off the more time you dedicate to it – whether you’re actively looking for new career opportunities or just want to keep your options open. If you need more job search help or are ready to make a change, start with Adecco. We’re looking to connect candidates across the country with the right job for their success.

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For as long as COVID-19 has been dominating the headlines so has news of the Great Resignation, a phenomenon where workers have been quitting their jobs at record rates. With there being more open positions than workers available to fill them, there’s never been a better time than now to change your job.

And Americans are taking note. According to a new Career Arc study, almost one in four workers plan to resign in the next 12 months. Are you in that group? Do you want to be? Here’s how to plan your exit strategy and quit your job in 2022:

1. Understand why you’re leaving

If you’ve been asking yourself “should I quit my job?” you’re not alone. A recent survey reports that 73% of employees are actively thinking about resigning. While it seems disliking your current job is on-trend, ask yourself why you’d leave before making any major decisions. Are you experiencing problems with your current job? Has the pandemic shifted your values?

Career Arc set out to find the real reason everyone is quitting their jobs and found that close to one-third of respondents said they were leaving their current position to look for a role with better working conditions. 23% stated they wanted to shift careers while 20% noted that they were quitting because they wanted a remote job. By determining why you’re leaving first, whether it’s for the working conditions, type of job, or something else, you’ll know what you’re looking for in your next position.

2. Decide where you want to go

Now that you’ve determined why you’re leaving your current job and what you’re looking for in your next position, create short and long-term goals for your career. When starting your job hunt, look out for opportunities that fulfill both types of your goals – you’ll be more likely to stay with that company for the long haul.

Part of setting career goals involves determining what you need to do to accomplish these objectives. Look at your resume and the skills you possess and see if there are any gaps you can work to close, especially if you’re looking at changing careers. When these gaps are closed, you’ll know when to quit your job and start sending in applications.   

3. Look for job openings

Quitting a job without another lined up can seem daunting. If you need to leave your current position now, consider temporary work or partnering with a recruiter to find work in the interim while you continue your job hunt. You’ll still get a paycheck without a commitment and you can develop new skills that will make you stand out in your applications for more permanent work.

With 84% of organizations using social media for recruiting be sure to clean up your social media profiles before sending off applications. However, if you are job hunting before quitting, don’t post anything about looking for a new position. Keep your job search on a need-to-know basis as not to impact your current work.

4. Tips for when you quit

If you’ve been feeling burnt-out at your current job you may have had a fantasy or two thinking about how you’ll finally quit and what you’ll tell your boss. While it may be fun to think about going out in a blaze of glory, remember the importance of connections – 85% of jobs are landed because of networking. That means you’ll need to keep a friendly and professional relationship with your bosses and colleagues.

When speaking to your managers about quitting make sure to highlight the gratitude you have for the opportunity given to you (even if it’s not exactly the case), and that you’ll write a formal resignation letter for your company’s HR department. Be prepared for a counteroffer from your manager but feel confident in rejecting such an offer if there’s no chance the position will be in line with your career goals. 85% of workers who accept counteroffers leave their jobs within 6 months while 90% are gone within a year. ­­­­­­­­

Ready to join in on the Great Resignation and kickstart your job hunt? Learn more about how to resign and about the job-seeking process with our in-depth job seekers guide. Be sure to stay on top of all the hiring trends for 2022 by reading more of our blog posts, and check out our current openings for any positions that align with your career goals.

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85% of the jobs that will be in demand in 2030 haven’t even been invented yet. These new jobs, and the new skills required to do these new jobs, stem from the shift toward the green economy or an economy based on lowering environmental risks.

Is your resume ready to impress employers taking a greener approach? According to research in our white paper, Skills for the Green Economy, the energy sector alone can produce 18 million new jobs if workers have the right skills (or can be trained on these skills) to adapt to green practices.

Here are the top opportunities to look out for and green economy skills to add to your resume:

Green skills will drive the automobile industry

In just five years over 1/3 of all cars sold will be electric vehicles, hybrids, or plug-ins. As a result, automobile companies will look for new talent with the right skills to drive their business through this transition. The jobs that will need filling? Network engineers and software specialists to help design vehicles, mechanics and manufacturers to produce batteries, and educated salesforce members to sell new products.

A whole range of skills from software design to systems analysis will be in-demand for the automobile sector. Want to learn these skills and add them to your resume? Our sister company, Modis, has developed a state-of-the-art reskilling program where you can get trained to work for the automobile industry and more.

Maintenance will make a big comeback

Reduce, reuse, repair? As Americans are shifting to throwing out less and recycling more, households will make an effort to maintain products like appliances and electronics instead of buying more. Even Ikea, famed for being the face of the “fast furniture” industry, will focus on offering repair and maintenance services to prolong the life span of their products.

According to new Pew research, demand for mechanical skills like repairing and system maintenance will see a 27% increase in the new green economy. Highlight these skills for the green economy on your resume, along with knowledge of specific equipment and your ability to problem-solve to help you land a future maintenance job.

Analytical skills are increasing in importance

The trend in future work isn’t just going greener. It’s going smarter, too. As we enter the Fourth Industrial Revolution, technology continues to permeate the workforce, edging into traditionally manual jobs like warehousing, too.

How exactly? Fields like warehousing rely more and more on computer programming to run complex machinery and systems analysis to maintain their supply chain. According to Pew, system analysis rates as the most critical analytical skill for the green economy, while programming is the green skill that will increase in demand the most.

But soft skills will still reign supreme

While technology will help shape green economy skills, soft skills will remain fundamental. When asked to rate 35 skills on importance, employers listed soft skills as the top four most crucial. In order of importance, they are active listening, speaking, critical thinking, and reading comprehension.

Learning how to sell your soft skills will be increasingly important on both your resume and in your job interview. Instead of listing basic skills like “speaking,” give examples of meetings you’ve led, or presentations given. With 92% of recruiters agreeing that soft skills are as important (or more important) than hard skills, don’t overlook the importance of these on your resume.

How do I get these skills?

Whether you need training on analytical skills or want to expand your soft skills, the Adecco Aspire Academy can help. Through a partnership between the Adecco Foundation US and Penn Foster, courses ranging from “Warehousing and Distribution” to “Stress and Time Management” are available to you free of charge. Enroll now and check out what green skills you can learn.

At Adecco, we’re here to help you through every stage of your career. Whether you’re returning to work, looking for a new opportunity, or just starting out in the workforce, you can find support from one of our local recruiting teams.

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Is overhauling your career a part of your New Year’s resolutions? You’re in good company. According to our research, nearly 2 in every 5 people are changing jobs or considering a new career in the new year.

Whether you’re looking to move on up in your same company or change job fields entirely, you’ll need to develop new skills to fit your new job description. Luckily the importance of training is becoming increasingly crucial to companies and employees alike, making it easier than ever to determine what in-demand skills you’re missing and the steps you need to take to gain them:

How to determine which skills you’re missing

The first step in revamping your career is to figure out which in-demand skills your dream job requires. Only then are you able to see what training and professional development you’ll need to close your post-pandemic skills gap:

1. Research the future of your industry

Artificial Intelligence. Automation. Cloud computing. New advancements in technology are continually changing the future of work and the skills in-demand for future employment. 85% of the jobs that will exist in 2030 haven’t even been invented yet thanks to changing tech.

While that may seem far off, companies are looking for candidates who possess the right qualifications to adapt to these advancements now. Research what job skills are most in-demand for your industry for the next 10 years and focus on acquiring those competencies to make yourself a more competitive applicant.

And it’s not just tech companies that will be looking for highly skilled individuals. Traditionally manual industries like warehousing are adapting robotics and supply chain management into their daily business practices.

2. Connect with those in your preferred position

Need advice on how to get a specific job? Look no further than those who are in that position now. They’ll help you answer questions you have on making a big career change and provide personal insights on what job skills are most in-demand for their job.

If you’re looking to stay in your same company, consider a mentorship. In addition to highlighting which skills you’ll need to develop, a mentor can assist with career goals and help you build meaningful work relationships. 97% of employees that have a mentor agree that they are valuable and help them progress in their careers. 

3. Explore your current workplace

Thanks to the post-pandemic hiring boom, chances are your current company is looking for employees or outsourcing work. Monitor your workplace’s internal job board to see the top skills in-demand, especially if an open position resembles what you want to do in the future. 

Look at what roles in your team are currently being outsourced. As companies are shifting from outsourcing to reskilling employees, your business will prefer for internal workers to take on these jobs. If you’re prepared with the right skills, your company will look to you to fill one of these positions.

How to gain those skills

Now that you’ve determined what skills you need it’s time to make a game plan. Combine virtual learning with hands-on experiences for the most comprehensive approach to closing your skills gap:

1. Seek opportunities in your current company

In 2020 alone, US companies spent $82.4 billion on training their workers. Ask your company leaders if there are opportunities to enroll in learning platforms and make a formal training request to your manager presenting the benefits of education.

And it’s not just technical skills that can be learned. Thanks to evolving technology more in-depth learning resources have emerged, some even incorporating virtual reality to train employees on manual abilities.

2. Look for education outside the office

Don’t worry if your company doesn’t have a dedicated learning and development program. Over 180 million people have enrolled in online courses just in 2020, with more learning platforms being developed each year. Find an online course that aligns with your future job and other skills that are in high demand and see if your employer will cover the cost.

Is your company unable to pay for your training? Our Innovation Foundation can help. We’ve partnered with Penn Foster to bring you the Aspire Academy, an e-learning platform with dozens of training courses available at no cost.

3. Take a temporary position

Before taking on a more permanent position in a new career field try out a temporary role. You’ll see firsthand what qualifications you need for future work, get on-the-job training for essential skills, and, most importantly, see if you enjoy the work before committing. Check out our current openings to see if there’s a position that aligns with your future work goals.

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­At Adecco, we’re here to help you prepare for your career change every step of the way. Check out our Adecco Foundation US for more professional development programs and read our research on future-proofing the workforce for further insights on closing your skills gap. Get started with us today.

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More than 36 million Americans have relocated during the pandemic. Are you in that group?

Maybe your newly remote job isn’t working for you anymore. Or your office is bringing people back in-person way sooner than you expected. Or your big life change first started with a change of address. Being in a new location without connections makes the job search process challenging (even before factoring in how COVID-19 has transformed the current hiring process).

Luckily we’ve pinpointed 5 ways to find a job after relocating:

Step up your social media game

Worldwide social media usage has surged since the pandemic, but it’s not just Facebook and Instagram. Business social media platforms have reported record levels of engagement, with LinkedIn members climbing to nearly 800 million users in 2021. That’s potentially millions of profiles looking for new hires.

Polish up your profile and take your resume digital. Active recruiters will contact you if your skills are a good match and you can speak directly to HR professionals in a company that’s caught your eye. Join local groups on the platform where you can network and watch connections in your new location grow.  

Research this new job market

Looking for a job in another city or state? Research the area to see who the big employers are, what industries dominate, and what skills are most in-demand. Keep a lookout for which soft skills you can sell yourself on. They’ve become increasingly important after the pandemic.

If you find that positions posted on your local job boards require skills that you lack, don’t be afraid to get training and learn new abilities (With our Aspire Academy, you have access to free learning programs to help you land that next job).

Stay open to remote work

Our research shows that 71% of workers globally want to work remotely more in the future than they did before the pandemic. And companies are taking note. By 2028 it’s projected that almost 3/4 of all teams in all departments will have remote workers.

By opening yourself up to a remote job after relocating, you won’t be limited to your location. And if you’re like the average American who moved to the suburbs this past year, that means you can still work for larger companies whose headquarters are in larger cities (without the commute and with more space for your home office).

Look at temporary opportunities

There’s no better time to try temping than after relocating – especially after relocating during the pandemic. You’ll not only get a firsthand view of the job market in your new home before making a commitment, but you’ll also start to build connections and learn new skills relevant to your area.

Temporary workers are in high demand since the pandemic. More than half of companies have increased their use of temporary workers since 2020 while those accepting temporary work placements have increased by two-thirds. Don’t know where to start? Check out our guide on how to find temporary work.

Connect with an agency, like Adecco

Don’t rule out a staffing agency if you’re ready to take the plunge but are still feeling overwhelmed. It’s our job to build connections both locally and globally, and often companies work with us for jobs that might not even be advertised on your local jobs board.

Adecco can be your guide through the whole hiring process. From tips on interviewing, polishing up your resume, and guidance on accepting a job offer, our team will provide professional insights during your job search. We’ll also keep your information on file in case an opportunity comes along in the future. You can focus on making your new location home and enjoy the benefits of relocating in the meantime.

Whether you’re looking for temporary work placements or a permanent position, Adecco is here to support you in finding a job after relocating. Take a look at our current job openings and check out our blog for more insights on navigating the hiring process and making career changes.

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Camaraderie. Resilience. Discipline. Critical thinking. Veterans come with a wealth of sought-after transferable skills. Masters of navigating uncertainty, veterans often perform at higher levels and have lower turnover rates than their civilian counterparts. Many spend years managing large numbers of people and expensive equipment. And their sense of responsibility means they are often the first on the job and the last to leave.

So, why do so many veterans face unemployment and underemployment after they hang up the uniform? Below, we explain what stops veterans – and their spouses – from getting the job offer, and what employers can do about it.

Recruiters don’t speak military

Often, recruiters won’t recognize military job titles, ranks, and acronyms, never mind military credentials. They might have low expectations of veterans’ skills and fear that they won’t be a good fit for their workplace. Consequently, they’re more likely to reject veteran candidates or push them into specific fields, like security or trucking, for example. Indeed, 38 of the top 50 industries employ them at a lower rate than nonveterans.

AI weeds out qualified veteran candidates

Most military jobs have a civilian equivalent, but veterans don’t screen like civilians because their job titles are different. AI-based applicant tracking software can put candidates in the reject pile if they lack industry keywords or have gaps in employment history. This disadvantages veterans and exacerbates the talent crunch by rejecting millions of candidates straight off the bat.

Job requirements exclude veteran experience

Job descriptions can deter many veterans before they even get to the application stage. Civilian terms for certain skills don’t always align with how veterans see their skills sets, leading them to rule out roles they are very qualified for. Moreover, postings often demand specialized hard skills that veterans will struggle to attain during their military careers.

Veterans aren’t linked in with civilians

Who you know matters. Veterans often haven’t had the opportunity to build a strong professional network, which can become a problem as they transition to the civilian workforce. (Plus, civilian workers usually lack strong connections with the veteran community.) Unsurprisingly, this leads many veterans to underplay or exclude their military service from job applications.

Military spouses suffer, too

Most military spouses are well qualified for any number of careers, and want or need to work. Yet, the unemployment rate among this group is 24 percent. At the same time, wages are 25% lower than among the civilian population, mainly due to frequent relocations, childcare issues, and an inability to transfer occupational licenses from state to state.

What employers can do

Empowering veterans in the workplace isn’t charity. If you’re not hiring veterans, you’re missing out on a uniquely qualified talent pool of skilled leaders, technicians, and innovators. Here’s what you can do:

Use data as your strategic asset
Dig deep into your hiring data to pinpoint where veterans are dropping out of your recruitment funnel. Regularly review your employee data to establish which roles veterans tend to fill at your company. Delve into departments, seniority levels, and contract types. Ask yourself whether unseen barriers might be causing veterans to languish in roles below their experience level or to drop out altogether.

Level-up internal awareness
Don’t make veterans do all the heavy-lifting in translating their skills. Invest in training to elevate hiring managers’ understanding of the roadblocks and eliminate any preconceived opinions. Train recruiters in when it might be appropriate to waive industry experience requirements. And consider including veterans for ‘top of the funnel’ candidate engagement through recruitment and onboarding, and in promoting internal knowledge transfer.

Institute a dedicated veteran hiring track
Veterans themselves tend to believe that civilian hiring managers will devalue their military experience, and with good reason. Counter that by setting up veterans-only recruitment processes, careers sites, and internal referral programs that cater to their unique needs. Encourage veteran candidates to speak with existing veteran employees. And recraft job descriptions to focus on relevant skills rather than specific degrees or years of industry experience.

And take care of military spouses
Lack of childcare, frequent moves, and the demands of supporting a partner in the military make finding appropriate work intensely difficult for this group. Let them work flexibly, and from home, where possible. And be vocal in your support for military families so military spouses feel seen, included, and welcome at your company.

Considering the escalating stress and financial pressure wrought by the pandemic, we need to do more than thank our veterans this Veteran’s Day. Companies must support them in meaningful ways year-round.

Adecco can help. Our Military Alliance program has been working to address the high unemployment rate for vets and their spouses. To help open doors, we provide job placement, career counseling, resume enhancement, interview training, and much more.

And we partner with groups like the Military Spouse Employment Partnership to help entire military families find jobs they love. Learn more about how Adecco supports veterans and their families.

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Hard skills on your resume might be what get you noticed. But it’s your ‘soft skills’ that will make you a stand-out candidate at the interview (and move you up the ladder when you’re in a job.) Below, find out why soft skills are so critical these days and how to show your human side to land the job.

So, what are soft skills in the workplace?

Think back to your favorite teacher, manager, or sports coach. You remember them because they made you feel encouraged, listened to, and understood. Soft skills – like communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and interpersonal skills – are critical for success but can be challenging to quantify. They’re the skills that make you a better colleague, a better leader, a better human being. The skills that make people trust and value you.

Why are soft skills so in-demand right now?

Email, messaging apps, and emojis are substituting eye contact and conversation. But it has created a disconnect. Closing this ‘soft skills gap’ is key to building high-performing teams and market-leading organizations.Indeed, the number of companies addressing empathy and interpersonal skills doubled in 2020.

How to best communicate your ‘soft skills’ in a resume?

A convincing description of your soft skills alongside your hard skills list can tip the balance as to whether your resume lands on the hiring manager’s desk or the reject pile. Instead of a dry list of words like ‘teamwork,’ or ‘influencing skills’ say, ‘Organized weekly get-togethers to improve morale and communication.’ And ensure your examples align with the job level. While ‘effective communication skills’ might suffice for an entry-level position, a manager role will demand more demanding soft skills like influencing and conflict-resolution.

How to showcase your soft skills in an interview?

The words you choose. Your tone of voice. Your body language. They’re all channels for demonstrating your enthusiasm and ability to connect with others. Before the day, practice talking about your experience out loud with clear, concise answers. Be ready to answer questions about soft skills:

Problem-solving skills: Interviewers probe your problem-solving skills to gauge your ability to gather and analyze information, make logical decisions, and build solutions. Think of tangible situations where you used your soft skills creatively to overcome challenges.

Values: How would ex-colleagues describe you as a person? What charities or causes are important to you? Interviewers ask these types of questions to determine whether you have the soft skills to bring together your colleagues around the company’s shared purpose. Do your homework and show how your values align with those of your target firm.

Empathy and emotional intelligence: Tell us about a time you handled a demanding customer. When did you use your conflict resolution skills to diffuse a challenging team situation? Gather examples of how you have used your soft skills to communicate effectively and positively influence colleagues at all levels.

Teamwork: Strong teamwork differentiates leading firms from the rest. Interviewers will want to judge whether you can bond with all types of people. They’ll also want to weed out selfish or egotistical ‘lone wolves’ who can wreak havoc with a team’s equilibrium. Use anecdotes that describe your role in the team effort, the contributions you made, and what your team accomplished.

Adaptability and resilience: Today’s complex working world means quickly adjusting to – and recovering from – new situations and challenges. Interviewers need to know that you’re open-minded, welcome new opportunities, and won’t freak out if you need to do something that falls outside your job scope. Come prepared with examples of how you have successfully navigated a fast-changing environment.

While hard skills are indispensable, employers fight to hire, retain, and promote people with the right mix of interpersonal abilities. Showcasing your soft skills throughout your job search is the best way to apply for a job.

At Adecco, we’re here to support you every step of the way to finding a great job and getting better at it. Our Aspire Academy offers free access to re-skilling and upskilling programs in a range of hard skills. And check out our blog for helpful articles, from tips on how to make a big career change, to looking after your mental health at work.

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It can be hard to course-correct once you’re on a particular career path, but the pandemic is triggering millions of Americans to do just that. Nearly 2 in 5 knowledge workers globally are changing or considering new careers.

So, what about you? Itching to get out from behind your desk? Or maybe you’re ready to get out of customer service? Or did the pandemic make the decision for you? Whatever your motivations, here are the questions to ask yourself to build the career you love.

What makes me happy?

You might not be doing what you always dreamt of doing, but are you on the right track? Start by examining your current job and the things that make you happy outside of work. Is there a way you can steer them closer together? Focusing on the parts of your job that you enjoy will help you narrow down what you want to achieve in your career.

Who could I talk to?

Are you truly stuck in a rut at work? Or is your current job helping you build your skills and connect with the right people? It helps to talk to people whose career paths you admire. They can give you an inside look at their day-to-day and give you advice on next steps you should take.

Should I join a growing industry?

While the pandemic decimated some industries, others simply can’t find enough workers. For example, 9 of the fastest-growing jobs in America are in healthcare, while demand for ‘green jobs’ like wind turbine technicians and solar panel installers is soaring. There’s a labor crunch in the tech sector, too. Changing careers can be challenging, so moving to an in-demand or high-paying role can make the hard work worth it.

What types of skills do I have?

Every employer who is hiring is trying to solve a problem. And the most convincing candidates show how they’re the solution to that problem. Take an inventory of your skills – including those that might not seem relevant at first. Don’t discredit experiences that aren’t an exact fit with your target role. And remember, soft skills – traits that speak to your character – are increasingly valued today. They’re what separate us from the bots. So be your own best advocate and show how you’re a great-to-work with kind of person.

Am I missing other important skills?

The opportunities are endless for people who are willing to pivot to fast-growing sectors, but don’t worry if some may require experience you don’t have yet. Our Aspire Academy offers free access to re-skilling and upskilling programs, including blueprint reading, machining, administrative skills, and management.

Can I test drive a new career?

All of these are clues as to the work you should be doing. Write them down, look for patterns, and pivot your career goals accordingly. Be sure to consider taking on a temporary assignment in your target sector. Not only will you gain relevant experience and network, but you can give it a trial run before committing to the long haul.

At Adecco, we believe there’s a great job for everyone. We’ve got your back when you decide to transition into a role that you love. Explore job openings in your area, or reach out to your local branch to learn more.

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The pandemic has blurred the line between personal and professional life over the last 18 months, and in turn, mental illness has risen sharply. In a work setting, the symptoms of mental health problems can be complex and hard to pin down. We might have trouble getting motivated, avoid colleagues, become chaotic, or make mistakes that we wouldn’t typically make. Or we might experience burnout, a particular type of work-related stress, that Mayo Clinic describes as a state of physical or emotional exhaustion that involves a sense of reduced accomplishment and loss of personal identity.

If you’re feeling this way, you’re not alone: 32% of office workers globally said their mental health has worsened in the last 12 months, while 4 in 10 said worker burnout was a big concern for them. On the upside, more and more businesses are treating mental health as an urgent priority, but many workers still worry about the stigma and damage to their reputation at work.

So, what can we do to protect our mental health at work?

1. Practice self-love

When people push themselves too hard for too long, the loss of power and control can be overwhelming. People suffering from burnout tend to berate and blame themselves, but to move forward, it’s essential to forgive yourself for those perceived mistakes. Neuroscientists have discovered a direct link between self-compassion, resilience, and success. Only when we learn to accept our current position and forgive ourselves can we begin to take our power back.

2. Reframe the way you look at work

The antidote to burnout is not necessarily less work but more meaning. Whether you have a high-octane, high-pressure job, or one that is mundane and repetitive, try to find the value in what you do. Celebrate the little wins and focus on how your role helps others. Changing your attitude towards your job can help you regain a feeling of purpose and control.

3. Prioritize your relationships

Make time to maintain friendships, family ties, and bonds with your workmates, especially when work feels overwhelming. Mentors or small groups of trusted colleagues can provide a lifeline, so find out what support groups are available in your company. Or, if you can’t find what you’re looking for internally, look elsewhere. Organizations like Mental Health America can connect you with excellent support networks near you.

4. Look after your body

What’s good for your body is good for your mind. Make physical activity that you enjoy a part of your day, even if it’s a walk at lunchtime or exercise after work (making you officially off the clock). Aim for regular meals, drink plenty of water, and make sure you take time away to eat if you work at a desk. If you drink alcohol, don’t overdo it. Find other ways to unwind, like taking a much-needed vacation or practicing meditation or mindfulness.

5. Take a break

Don’t hedge your sense of worth solely around professional success. Think about what other skills you have. Achieving something outside work can boost your self-esteem, whether that’s reaching your daily steps target on your pedometer, knitting a sweater, or making a delicious meal for your family. 

6. Talk about it

Opening up isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s part of taking charge of your health.  Many employers provide paid or subsidized access to external resources that you can use anonymously; speak to HR about what’s available. It can be hard to talk about feelings at work, so you must find someone you feel comfortable with, whether your boss or a colleague.

7. Ask for help

If you feel your state of mind is affecting your ability to do your job, it’s probably time to talk to your boss. Although this can feel daunting, remember that your manager may be struggling to spot when employees have mental health issues, especially in remote settings (53% of all managers we surveyed said they struggled with this).

Set up a pre-planned face-to-face meeting, whether virtually or in person. In advance of the meeting, think through what you want to share and rehearse what you’re going to say. Be ready to explain how your mental health is affecting your work. If the cause is work-related, say it. If you can, come to the meeting prepared with suggestions about what your boss can do to help you. For example, if overwork is the problem, maybe you can suggest some non-urgent tasks to take off your plate. Or perhaps your boss could reduce your exposure to some of your more stressful responsibilities and colleagues.

Unfortunately, the harsh reality is that not every boss will respond with the compassion you deserve, so know what to do if the conversation doesn’t go well. Have a backup contact, perhaps someone in HR to talk to or a co-worker who can offer support.

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