More On Energy Management

Introduction

Energy is defined as a capacity to do things.

Many people report feeling
"...overworked, pressured and squeeze to the point of anxiety, depression, and disease..."
Benson as quoted by Gretchen M  Spreitzer, 2011

This has created an energy crisis and the need for energy management as a way to handle burnout which can be caused by people working longer and longer hours. Consequently, their physical, mental and emotional health and well-being is neglected.

"...this leads to a declining level of engagement, increasing levels of distraction, high turnover rates, and soaring medical costs amongst employees..."
Tony Schwartz et al, 2007

In addition to impacting on their professional life, it can have a negative impact on their personal and family situations.

"...most large organisations invest in developing employees' skills, knowledge, and competence. Very few help build and sustain their capacity - their energy - which is typically taken for granted..."
Tony Schwartz et al, 2007

Time is a finite resource, while energy is not.

Need to understand that
"...people strive to obtain, build and protect that which they value (eg resources)......psychological stress occurs when these resources are lost,threatened with lost, or if individuals fail to manage resources after their depletion. Human energy is one resource - an important one, given that it helps people regulate their behaviours and emotions to meet performance expectations organisational/group norms. Energetic resources are limited and depleted over time because of environmental demands. This depletion increases stress..."
Gretchen M Spreitzer et al, 2011

Research has shown that job demands, like workload, have a negative impact on energy levels; on the other hand, job resources such as support (by supervisors, colleagues, co-workers, etc), social capital, performance feedback, vacations, work-free evenings/weekends, relaxation, hobbies, etc help replenish energy levels. This highlights the need for wellness programs around  diet, exercise, stress management, etc.

NB Being involved in change is difficult and requires a lot of energy to handle things like resistance, VUCA environment, etc.